Asphalt is a brownish-black liquid petroleum material that hardens when it cools. Asphalt cement poisoning occurs when someone swallows asphalt.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

• Hydrocarbons
• Industrial glues
• Industrial solvents
• Tar

• Road paving materials
• Roofing materials
• Tile cements

Note: This list may not include all uses of asphalt.

• Blood
  • Severe change in acid levels in the blood
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Loss of vision
  • Severe pain in the throat
  • Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
• Gastrointestinal
  • Blood in the stool
  • Burns of the food pipe (esophagus)
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Vomiting (may contain blood)
• Heart and blood
  • Collapse
  • Low blood pressure that develops rapidly
• Lungs and airways
  • Breathing difficulty (from breathing in asphalt)
  • Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
• Skin
  • Burns
  • Irritation
  • Holes (necrosis) in the skin or tissues underneath