Paints - lacquer and varnish remover - poisoning
Definition
This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing or breathing in (sniffing) products to remove paint, lacquer, or varnish. 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.
Poisonous Ingredient
Pain, lacquer, and varnish removers may contain the following poisonous ingredients: - Benzyl alcohol
- Ethanol
- Formic acid
- Methyl alcohol
- Methylene hydrochloride
- Naphtha
- Xylene
Where Found
Paint, lacquer, and varnish removers are sold under various brand names.
Symptoms & Signs
- Airways and lungs
- Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
- Throat swelling (may also cause breathing difficulty)
- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Severe pain in the throat
- Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
- Vision loss
- Gastrointestinal
- Abdominal pain -- severe
- Bloody stools
- Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)
- Vomiting, possibly with blood
- Heart and blood
- Collapse
- Low blood pressure -- develops rapidly
- Skin
- Burns
- Irritation
- Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues
- Nervous system
- Coma
- Confusion
- Dizziness (from sniffing)
- Feeling of being drunk (euphoria)
- Uncoordination
- Unsteadiness
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