This is poisoning by lacquer, a clear or colored coating often used to give wooden surfaces a glossy look.
Poisonous Ingredient:
Hydrocarbons, substances that contain only hydrogen and carbon. (Examples are benzene and methane.)
Where Found:
Products used as a clear finish for wooden surfaces, particularly floors.
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms:
Lungs and airways
Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
Throat swelling (may also cause breathing difficulty)
Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
Severe pain in the throat
Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
Loss of vision
Gastrointestinal
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting
Burns and possible holes of the esophagus (food pipe)
Vomiting blood
Blood in the stool
Heart and blood vessels
Hypotension (low blood pressure) develops rapidly
Collapse
Skin
Irritation
Burn
Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues
Review Date: 5/30/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Poisons
