Carbolic acid

Definition

This is poisoning caused by touching or swallowing carbolic acid, a sweet-smelling clear liquid added to many different products.  

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Phenol

Where Found

• Various antiseptics
• Various disinfectants
• Various germicides
• Adhesive dyes
• Perfumes
• Textiles
• Lubricating oils

Symptoms

Bladder and kidneys

• Decreased urine output
• No urine output
• Blue or green colored urine

Lungs

• Deep, rapid breathing
• Wheezing

Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat:

• Yellow eyes
• Severe burns in the mouth and windpipe (esophagus)

Skin

• Blue lips and fingernails
• Yellow skin
• Burns

Gastrointestinal

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

Heart and blood

• Drop in blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate

Nervous system

• Hyperactivity
• Stupor (lack of alertness)
• Coma
• Convulsions

Whole Body

• Excessive thirst
• Heavy sweating

Home Treatment

Call Poison Control Center for appropriate treatment. Flush eyes and wash skin if exposed.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

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

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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 U.S. 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.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Skin creams to treat burns
• Medicines to relieve pain
• Laxative
• Endoscopy (a tiny camera is put down the throat to look for burns)

Expectations (prognosis)

If the patient survives past 48 hours, recovery is likely.