Household glue

Definition

Most household glues, such as Elmer's glue, are non-toxic. However, some people may intentionally breath in glue fumes in an attempt to get "high."

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

• Light aliphatic naphtha
• Toluene
• N-hexane
• Ethanol
• Exylene

Where Found

• Glue 

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Symptoms of breathing in ("huffing") glue fumes may include:

• Red, runny nose
• Drunk, dazed, or dizzy appearance
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety
• Excitability
• Irritability
• Heart, kidney, brain, and liver damage (from long-term poisoning)

Severe poisonings caused by swallowing glue may cause  gastric outlet obstruction or intestinal obstruction with abdominal pain.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the 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

Expectations (prognosis)

Because of the glue's relatively nontoxic nature, recovery should occur.