Ailments and Situations - Chemical Poisoning

 
(also referred to as...)

Poisoning

 
Description

Chemical poisoning can result from direct or indirect exposure to a number of chemicals found in our daily environment. Children are at greatest risk of accidental poisoning as they can unknowingly consume liquids found in bottles below the sink or play on grass that has been sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides.

Harmful chemicals often enter the body through either inhalation or via skin absorption. Direct exposure usually occurs in a working environment involving the use of chemical sprays or solvents, such as factory workers or mainstream farmers. Indirect exposure can be the result of anything from the use of household chemical cleaners to the pesticides sprayed on your lawn or local park. Occasionally, low-level exposure leads to a lack of awareness of poisoning until symptoms and signs become apparent.

 
Symptoms and Signs:

Signs of chemical poisoning can appear in seconds or hours, depending on the type of poison, exposure quantity, and individual genetic makeup and resistance.

Symptoms include asthma, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, choking, coughing, delirium, diarrhea, digestive problems, dizziness, dry mouth, faintness, fatigue, headache, itching, nausea, nervous system disorders, skin rashes, stomach pain, sweating, and vomiting.

 
Causes:

Chemical poisoning can be caused by exposure or ingestion of ammonia, antifreeze, art supplies, batteries, chemical cleaning products, chlorine, cosmetics, dicholorodiphenyltricholoroethane (DDT), disinfectants, drain cleaners, fungicides, gasoline, some glues, heavy metals (cadmium, mercury, and lead), herbicides, some house plants, insecticides, mothballs, mouthwashes, some mushrooms, nail adhesive or polish, paints, pesticides, petroleum products, recreational drugs, solvents, toilet cleaners, and purposeful ingestion of toxic substances.

Local proximity to landfills or industrial complexes can also statistically increase the probability of exposure.

The improper or excess use of one or more medications can also cause chemical poisoning.

 
What to Expect:

Chemical poisoning can be a life-threatening situation. You are strongly advised to seek medical attention. See the opening remark under Remedies, below.

If you have consumed a toxic level of a substance, shock can quickly develop. Abnormal heart rhythms, breathing difficulties, coma, and severe agitation can also occur.

Corrosive liquids can cause burning in the throat and esophagus upon ingestion. Generally, do not induce vomiting unless advised by your poison control centre, naturopath, or other health practitioner.

Poisoning can lead to decreased and/or cessation of function of one or more internal organs. Again, medical attention is strongly recommended. The liver and kidneys are particularly at risk when chemical poisoning occurs and measures must be taken to restore these organs to full health.

Pneumonia may also be experienced.

 

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