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Warning-sign checks

Nail 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 if someone exposed to nail polish:

    • Has trouble breathing or very slow breathing
    • Collapses, faints, or cannot be awakened normally
    • Has a seizure
    • Develops blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Is severely confused or unable to stand
    • Has severe chest pain or an abnormal heartbeat sensation

    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 more than a small taste, any intentional swallowing or inhalation, or an exposure involving an unknown amount.

    Call even if symptoms have not started, because the product ingredients and circumstances affect what monitoring is needed.

    Seek urgent medical advice if coughing, repeated vomiting, increasing sleepiness, eye pain, blurred vision, or persistent breathing symptoms develop.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical or occupational health follow-up for symptoms that keep returning during nail product use, or for problems with memory, balance, sensation, mood, breathing, or skin over time.

The article also says

Do not leave an unconscious person alone.

Place them on their side if they are breathing and it is safe to do so.

Do not give anything by mouth.

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