Paints - emulsion type

Definition

Emulsion-based paints are usually known as "deck paints" and are sold for home use. This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing such paints or breathing in their fumes.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Acrylic-styrene polymer

Where Found

Emulsion-based "deck" paints are sold under various brand names.

Symptoms

• Airways and lungs
  • 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
  • Vision loss
• Gastrointestinal
  • Abdominal pain -- severe
  • Bloody stools
  • Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)
  • Vomiting, possibly bloody
• Heart and blood
  • Irregular heartbeat
• Nervous system
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of alertness
  • Seizures
  • Stupor
  • Weakness

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

• Fluids through a vein (IV)
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
• Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on the type and amount of paint swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Latex paint can cause irritation to the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines if swallowed. The paint will cause eye irritation if splashed into the eyes.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.