Chemical Toxicity
This page will help you prepare and take the right actions to treat chemical toxicity.
When does chemical toxicity occur?
Chemical toxicity occurs when a person is exposed to harmful chemicals. It often happens in children when they inhale or mistakenly swallow these substances.
- Chemical toxicity occurs through:
- – Inhalation: inhaling toxic gases, vapors, or gaseous anesthetics.
- – Ingestion: Swallowing toxic substances by mouth.
- – Injection: Administering drugs subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously.
– Skin: Absorption of chemicals or paints through the skin.
- Examples of sources of chemical toxicity at home:
- – Sodium hypochlorite, found in cleaning agents like bleach and Clorox.
- – Sodium hydroxide in drain cleaners and paint removers.
- – Sulfuric acid in batteries and toilet cleaners.
- – Hydrochloric acid in pool chlorine.
- – Phosphorus in fireworks or fertilizers.
- – Pesticides.
- – Fuels.
– Construction materials.
What are the symptoms of chemical toxicity?
- Symptoms vary depending on the cause; any may include:
- – Abdominal pain.
- – Chest pain.
- – Burns in the mouth.
- – Severe throat pain..
- – Diarrhea.
- – Rash, redness, or burning.
- – Difficulty and shortness of breath.
- –Palpitations..
- – Dizziness and headache..
- – Convulsions.
– Coma.
How do you deal with chemical toxicity?
- When ingestion occurs:
- – Do not induce vomiting.
- – Do not rinse the mouth with water immediately.
- – Avoid giving the victim any acids like vinegar or lemon juice.
– Take the victim to emergency services immediately.
- When chemicals come into contact with the skin:
- – Remove clothing from the skin.
- – Wash the body for 15-20 minutes.
– The victim should be taken to emergency services immediately.
- When chemicals get in the eyes:
- – Rinse the eye with cool water for 20 minutes.
- – Do not use any kind of eye drops.
– The victim should be taken to emergency services immediately.
- When toxic chemicals are inhaled:
- – Remove the victim from the area, allow them to breathe fresh air, and loosen clothes around the neck.
- – If the victim starts vomiting, turn their head to the side to prevent choking.
– Perform artificial respiration if the victim has difficulty breathing or moving.
When should you go to emergency services?
– Immediate action is required for all types of toxicity after providing first aid at home.
Ambulance numbers in the Gulf countries:
– Oman: 9999.
– Saudi Arabia: 997.
– Kuwait: 112.
– Qatar: 999.
– UAE: 998.
– Bahrain: 999.
