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Stoddard solvent poisoning

Texsolve S poisoning; Varsol 1 poisoning

 

Stoddard solvent is a flammable, liquid chemical that smells like kerosene. Stoddard solvent poisoning occurs when someone swallows or touches this chemical.

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

 

Petroleum distillates

 

Where Found

 

These products contain Stoddard solvent:

  • Dry cleaning fluids
  • Paints
  • Paint thinner
  • Stoddard solvent ( mineral spirits )
  • Toners used in copy machines

This list may not include all products containing Stoddard solvent.

 

Symptoms

 

Below are symptoms of Stoddard solvent poisoning in different parts of the body.

EYES, EARS, NOSE, MOUTH, AND THROAT

  • Burns in mouth
  • Severe throat pain
  • Severe pain or burning in the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth area
  • Vision loss

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloody stools
  • Burns in the food pipe (esophagus)
  • Nausea and vomiting

HEART AND BLOOD

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Collapse
  • Weakness

LUNGS AND AIRWAYS

  • Breathing difficulty (severe)
  • Throat swelling

NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • Burning sensations
  • Convulsions
  • Dizziness
  • Fever
  • Memory problems
  • Nervousness
  • Numbness in arms and legs
  • Unconsciousness

SKIN

  • Burns
  • Irritation
  • Holes in the skin or underlying tissues

 

Home Care

 

Get medical help right away. DO NOT make the person throw up unless poison control or a provider tells you to.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

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

If the person breathed in the poison, move them to fresh air right away.

 

Before Calling Emergency

 

Have this information ready:

  • Person's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of product
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed

 

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.

 

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

 

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

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated.

The person may receive:

  • Breathing support, including tube through the mouth into the lungs, and breathing machine (ventilator)
  • Bronchoscopy. Camera placed down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs.
  • Chest x-ray
  • EKG (heart tracing)
  • Fluids through a vein (by IV)
  • Flushing of the eyes with water (if poison touches the eyes)
  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • Skin washing with soap and water (if poison touches the skin)
  • Surgery to remove burned skin
  • Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach ( gastric lavage )

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

How well the person does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster they get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Recovery depends on how much damage there is to the lung.

 

 

Open References

References

Lee DC. Hydrocarbons. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls, RM, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 158.

Mirkin DB. Benzene and related aromatic hydrocarbons. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2007:chap 94.

 

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Stoddard solvent poisoning

           
             

            Review Date: 11/4/2015

            Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, Attending Physician at FDR Medical Services / Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Buffalo, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

            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. 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.

             
             
             

             

             

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