What Are Paraffin and Petroleum Products?
Paraffin, petrol, paint thinners, organic solvents, and turpentine are common petroleum products found in many homes and workplaces. Poisoning can happen if someone swallows or breathes in these chemicals, or if they get on the skin.
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Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
- Smell of paraffin or other petroleum products on the person
- Burning feeling in the mouth and throat
- Pale or bluish skin (temporary low oxygen)
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, or bloody stools
- Coughing, fast or difficult breathing, wheezing, and flaring nostrils caused by lung irritation
- Feeling very tired, seizures, and severe difficulty breathing
The biggest danger is lung damage if the chemicals get into the lungs by accident.
Important Things to Avoid
- Do not try to make the person vomit or use stomach washing (gastric lavage) because this can cause the poison to enter the lungs and worsen lung damage.
- Activated charcoal is not helpful for poisoning by these substances.
How Is This Poisoning Treated?
- Remove any clothes contaminated by the chemicals and wash the skin thoroughly.
- Give oxygen if the person has trouble breathing or low oxygen levels.
- Supportive care is the main treatment, focusing on helping breathing and comfort.
- Medicines like atropine may be given in certain cases to reduce lung secretions and help with breathing difficulties. The dose is carefully adjusted and reduced slowly while monitoring the patient.
How to Prevent Poisoning by Paraffin and Petroleum Products
- Always store these products safely in locked cupboards out of reach of children.
- Never keep paraffin or similar chemicals in bottles meant for drinks, to avoid accidental swallowing.
