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Warning-sign checks

Metal polish 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 now for:

    • Difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, or severe wheezing
    • Collapse, inability to wake, seizure, or marked confusion
    • Severe mouth or throat swelling
    • Repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, or severe chest or abdominal pain
    • Sudden loss of vision or severe eye pain
    • A large chemical burn
    • Any intentional swallowing

    Do not enter an area with heavy fumes unless emergency responders have said it is safe.

    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

    Contact a poison centre promptly after swallowing metal polish or after a significant eye, skin, or inhalation exposure.

    Do this even if no symptoms have started.

    In the United States, Poison Help is available at 1-800-222-1222 .

    Elsewhere, contact your local poison information service or urgent medical service.

    Worsening breathing, swallowing, pain, alertness, or vision is not a routine follow-up issue and needs urgent reassessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for symptoms that are stable or improving when a healthcare team has already assessed the exposure.

The article also says

While seeking advice, have the container or label nearby if this can be done safely.

Be ready to describe the person’s age, approximate weight, symptoms, exposure route, time, and possible amount.

Someone who is unconscious, having a seizure, or struggling to breathe should not be given anything by mouth.

Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side if it is safe to do so.

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