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Warning-sign checks

Turpentine oil 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

    Elsewhere, use the local poison-information service or emergency advice line.

    Call emergency services immediately for:

    • Trouble breathing, choking, or blue or grey lips
    • Severe or worsening coughing after swallowing
    • Extreme drowsiness, confusion, or inability to wake
    • A seizure, collapse, or loss of consciousness
    • Severe chest pain
    • Exposure to heavy fumes in an enclosed space

    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 any swallowed turpentine, even if there are no symptoms.

    In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

    Seek same-day medical or poison-centre advice for persistent vomiting, wheezing, eye pain, blurred vision, or a large skin exposure.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is suitable for symptoms that are stable but not resolving after the initial assessment.

The article also says

Move away from fumes only if it is safe.

Do not enter a contaminated enclosed space to rescue someone without appropriate training and equipment.

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