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.
– Yemen: 195.
