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Warning-sign checks

Asphalt cement poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or gray lips, collapse, a seizure, inability to wake the person, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical care if any of the following develops after the initial exposure:

    • New or worsening shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain
    • Persistent coughing, choking, or repeated vomiting
    • Fever or increasing breathing rate after asphalt was swallowed
    • Confusion, fainting, unusual sleepiness, or weakness
    • Increasing burn pain, swelling, drainage, redness, or fever
    • Eye pain, light sensitivity, or any change in vision
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Burn follow-up may include dressing changes, checks for infection, scar management, and exercises to preserve movement.

    Eye exposure may require follow-up with an eye specialist.

The article also says

Follow the observation and wound-care plan given by the poison center or treating clinician.

A person who feels well after a minor exposure may need only home monitoring, while someone with aspiration symptoms, a burn, or concentrated fume exposure may need reassessment.

After a workplace incident, report the exposure according to workplace procedures.

An occupational health review may help prevent another event.

This can include checking ventilation, temperature controls, respiratory protection, protective clothing, training, and the Safety Data Sheet.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Asphalt cement poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.