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Stoddard solvent poisoning

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Petroleum distillates

Where Found

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

Note: This list does not necessarily include all products containing Stoddard solvent.

Symptoms

• Gastrointestinal
  • Burns in mouth and stomach
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
• Heart and blood
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Weakness
• Lungs
  • Breathing difficulty (severe)
  • Cough
  • Fast and shallow breathing
• Nervous system
  • Burning sensations
  • Convulsions
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Memory problems
  • Nervousness
  • Numbness in arms and legs
  • Unconsciousness
• Skin
  • Burns with long-term contact
• Whole body
  • Fever

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.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national 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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

• Flushing of the eyes with water (if poison touches the eyes)
• Medicines to relieve pain
• Skin washing with soap and water (if poison touches the skin)
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

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

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

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. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. 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.