Oil-based paint poisoning

Oil-based paint poisoning occurs when large amounts of oil-based paint get into your stomach or lungs. It may also occur if the poison gets into your eyes or touches your skin.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Hydrocarbons are the primary poisonous ingredient in oil paints.

Some oil paints have heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cobalt, and barium added as pigment. These heavy metals can cause additional poisoning if swallowed in large amounts.

Where Found

These ingredients are found in various oil-based paints.

Symptoms

Poisoning symptoms can affect many parts of the body.

EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT

• Blurred or decreased vision
• Difficulty swallowing
• Eye and nose irritation (burning, tearing, redness, or runny nose)

HEART

• Rapid heartbeat

  Rapid heartbeat

  Palpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...

   

  Read Article Now Book Mark Article

LUNGS

• Cough
• Shallow breathing -- may also be rapid, slow, or painful

NERVOUS SYSTEM

• Coma
• Confusion
• Depression
• Dizziness

  Dizziness

  Dizziness is a term that is often used to describe 2 different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo. Lightheadedness is a feeling that you might fai...

   

  Read Article Now Book Mark Article
• Headache
• Irritability
• Lightheadedness
• Nervousness
• Stupor (decreased level of consciousness)
• Unconsciousness

  Unconsciousness

  Unconsciousness is when a person is unable to respond to people and activities.  Doctors often call this a coma or being in a comatose state. Other c...

   

  Read Article Now Book Mark Article

SKIN

• Blisters
• Burning feeling
• Itchiness
• Numbness or tingling

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

• Abdominal pain

  Abdominal pain

  Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.

   

  Read Article Now Book Mark Article
• Diarrhea

  Diarrhea

  Diarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.

   

  Read Article Now Book Mark Article
• Nausea
• Vomiting

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 a small amount of water or milk to stop the burning, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the person is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Person's age, weight, and condition (for example, is the person awake or alert?)
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This 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.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood and urine tests will be done.

Symptoms will be treated as needed. The person may receive:

• Airway and breathing support, including oxygen. In extreme cases, a tube may be passed through the mouth into the lungs to prevent aspiration. A breathing tube (ventilator) would then be needed.
• Chest x-ray.
• EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing).
• Endoscopy -- a camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and stomach.
• Fluids through a vein (IV).
• Laxatives to move the poison quickly through the body.
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach ( gastric lavage ). This will generally be done only in cases in which the paint contains toxic substances that are swallowed in large amounts.

  Gastric lavage

  Gastric suction is a procedure to empty the contents of your stomach.

   

  Read Article Now Book Mark Article
• Medicines to treat symptoms.
• Washing of the skin and face (irrigation).

Outlook (Prognosis)

Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that the person will recover. If any damage to the kidneys or lungs has occurred, it may take several months to heal. Some organ damage may be permanent. Death may occur in serious poisonings.