Symptoms and signs of paint poisoning, what to do at home
It is difficult to imagine a renovation without the use of paint. This material is considered highly toxic and care should be taken when handling it. Quite often, the symptoms of paint poisoning are quite severe and lead to a serious deterioration in the functioning of the body. To avoid negative consequences, it is important to recognize poisoning in time and provide first aid to the victim.
That poisoning by paint fumes threatens
Using paint for repairs can cause poisoning. Many paints and varnishes contain acetone, solvent, trichlorethylene. It also contains carbon tetrachloride. These substances cause great harm to the body.
Many paints have a strong smell that negatively affects the respiratory system. In addition, toxic substances can deposit on the mucous membranes or enter the systemic circulation. Also, poisoning can occur if old paint is removed or paint and varnish materials accidentally get into the fire. Burning the materials is harmful due to the lead content.
If the body is exposed to hazardous substances for a long time, there is a risk of developing various disorders in its work. These include in particular the following:
- Decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate. In this way, the body tries to provide a full blood supply to the internal organs. As a result, there is a risk of developing cardiovascular failure.
- Burns to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. This becomes the cause of respiratory failure.
- Damage to the mucous membranes of the stomach and esophagus in case of paint penetration into the body. This becomes the cause of the development of renal and hepatic failure and disruption of the pancreas.
- Deterioration of vision when the composition comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes.
Long-term intoxication of the body provokes the development of chronic pathologies. Among the most common consequences of poisoning, the following should be highlighted:
- rhinitis and conjunctivitis;
- chronic renal failure, pyelonephritis;
- chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis;
- gastritis, gastroduodenitis, stomach ulcer;
- hepatitis;
- damage to the nervous system;
- sleep disturbances and severe fatigue.
Varieties of poisoning by gravity
According to the characteristics of development and course, there are 2 main types of poisoning with paints and varnishes:
- Acute poisoning - most often develops during a single poisoning. This condition is characterized by severe symptoms. It causes serious harm to health.
- Chronic poisoning is more typical for professional builders. This condition is characterized by general weakness, depression, depression.
Key symptoms
Signs of poisoning depend on its type. An acute condition is often diagnosed in the summer when people carry out repair work on their own. When the air temperature rises, toxic vapors quickly spread and enter the body. For acute poisoning, the following manifestations are characteristic:
- general weakness;
- hyperemia of the mucous membranes of the eyes;
- burning in the eyes;
- severe tearing;
- severe headaches;
- nausea and vomiting;
- dizziness;
- severe intestinal disorders;
- increased breathing and shortness of breath;
- the smell of acetone from the mouth;
- paleness of the skin;
- breach of conscience.
Sometimes symptoms of poisoning appear when the paint gets inside. In this case, discomfort occurs within 20 minutes after applying the substance.
The chronic form of poisoning manifests itself gradually. In this case, the symptoms increase over time. The main manifestations of this condition are:
- health disorders;
- discomfort and burning sensation in the eyes;
- violation of digestive functions;
- sleep problems;
- persistent cough.
The appearance of one of these symptoms is considered a reason for stopping work and providing assistance to the person concerned.
Prophylaxis
To prevent the appearance of signs of intoxication, it is recommended to follow these rules:
- Work in special clothes, using personal protective equipment - gloves and respirators. It is important that things completely cover the skin.
- Have access to water. This will immediately wash off the areas on which the paint and varnish have fallen.
- Ensure complete ventilation in the room in which the work is carried out. In this case, it is important to ensure that the temperature parameters remain normal.
- Take tech breaks at work.At the same time, it is important to be able to get out into the fresh air.
- For finishing work, use materials that contain a minimum of toxic substances. The most harmless formulations include water-based paints.
FIRST AID
If a person is breathing and shows signs of poisoning, it is important to provide the victim with timely assistance. In this case, you should act like this:
- Provide fresh air to the room. It is best to take the person outside. You can also open all the doors and windows in the room.
- Remove outer and heavy clothing, as heavy fabrics can absorb toxic substances.
- Flush eyes, exposed body parts and face with water.
- If a person is conscious and vomits, it is worth rinsing his stomach. In this case, you need to give him 1-1.5 liters of filtered or boiled water and induce vomiting. To do this, you need to put pressure on the root of the tongue.
- Absorbents are very effective. To remove dangerous substances from the body, it is allowed to use "Smecta", "Enterosgel", "Polypefan".
- If a person has lost consciousness, they must be put on their side. In this case, one leg should be bent at the knee. This helps to give the victim a more stable position.
- To bring a person to their senses, you can bring cotton to your nose by soaking it in ammonia.
- If breathing weakens and heart rate deteriorates, perform artificial respiration and cardiac massage.
If a child is injured, you should immediately call an ambulance. However, it is important to act before it happens.The baby should be taken out into the fresh air, placed in a comfortable position and drinking plenty of water. If vomiting occurs, it is recommended to sit or put the child on your lap and tilt his head down.
This is necessary so that they do not interfere with breathing and do not cause choking.
If the child is not an infant, remains conscious and there are no signs of depression, it is recommended to rinse the throat and perform a nasal wash. This will help remove toxic residue from the upper respiratory tract.
When to consult a doctor
If toxic substances enter the body, self-medication is not recommended. In such a situation, consultation of a toxicologist is imperative. In simple cases, the doctor will prescribe home treatment and prescribe the necessary medications. In severe poisoning, there is a need for more serious treatment, which is carried out in a hospital setting.
It is imperative to consult a doctor if severe systemic reactions appear. This should be done in case of pain in the region of the heart, arrhythmia, sharp increase or decrease in blood pressure. Also, alarming signs of poisoning include symptoms of shortness of breath, respiratory failure, constant vomiting that cannot be stopped.
A medical consultation is also necessary for neurological symptoms. These include in particular the following:
- hallucinations;
- decrease in visual acuity or temporary loss of vision;
- violation of orientation in space;
- acute headaches that cannot be eliminated with painkillers.
A specialized medical institution has equipment and medications to correct the serious complications of poisoning:
- pressure chamber - provides extremely efficient oxygenation;
- artificial lung ventilation apparatus;
- electrocardiograph and defibrillator for diagnosis and normalization of heart rhythm;
- antihistamines;
- hemodialysis;
- analgesics and anti-toxic.
How can you please yourself at home
Home treatment of poisoning with paints and varnishes is possible only in simple cases. In this case, it is permissible to use medicines or folk recipes.
Medications
Medicines should be selected exclusively by an experienced specialist after a preliminary examination. Performing tests can determine the nature of the toxins that have entered the systemic circulation.
For the treatment of poisoning, glucose and gastric lavage are used. Sorbents - "Smecta", "Enterosgel" and others can also be used for this purpose. In addition, it is often necessary to use vitamins and agents to normalize the work of the cardiovascular system, kidneys and liver.
Folk remedies
To improve the prognosis for poisoning, it is recommended to use folk recipes in addition to standard treatment methods. They help to speed up the process of eliminating toxic substances from the body. Such means should be used by adult patients. Moreover, this can only be done after consulting a doctor.
Medicinal plants are classified as fixed assets in this category. It is recommended to take them in the form of infusions. The most effective recipes for dealing with poisoning include:
- Take 20 grams of dried licorice root, add 500 milliliters of water and cook for 10-15 minutes. Cool and strain the resulting composition. Take 100 ml 3 times a day.
- Take 2 tablespoons of dried horsetail herb, add 250 milliliters of boiling water and leave for 40 minutes. Strain and drink the composition throughout the day.
- Add 1.5 liters of boiling water to 20 grams of knotweed and leave to infuse for 2 hours. Divide the composition into 10 parts and drink three times a day. In the same way, you can prepare an infusion of mint or lemon balm. It should be consumed in small portions throughout the day. It should be hot.
Home remedies for paint poisoning are recommended for 1-2 days. They contribute to an intensive cleansing of the body and accelerate the healing process.
Paint poisoning is a fairly complex condition that can be acute or chronic. To cope with the symptoms of a violation and remove harmful substances from the body, you need to consult a doctor in a timely manner and strictly follow his recommendations. For treatment it is allowed to use medicines and folk recipes.