Window cleaner

Definition

Poisoning from an ingestion of window cleaner.

Poisonous Ingredient
Most newer window cleaners are considered non-toxic. Older window cleaners may contain ammonia, ethanol, methanol, or isopropyl alcohol.

Where Found

• Some window cleaners
  

Symptoms

Note: Most symptoms are seen with older window cleaners containing the toxic ingredients listed above.

• Respiratory
  o Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
  o Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
  
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o Severe pain in the throat
  o Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
  o Loss of vision
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Severe abdominal pain
  o Vomiting
  o Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)
  o Vomiting blood
  o Blood in the stool
  
• Heart and blood vessels
  o Hypotension (low blood pressure) develops rapidly
  o Collapse
  
• Skin
  o Irritation
  o Burn
  o Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues
  
• Neurologic
  o Sleepiness
  o Stupor
  o Coma
  o Severe brain damage
  

Home Treatment
Seek emergency medical care immediately. Call Poison Control. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY POISON CONTROL.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• The name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
  
• The time it was swallowed
  
• The amount swallowed
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control Centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed: