Health Encyclopedia

Paints - emulsion type

Definition

Emulsion-based paints are usually known as "deck paints" and are sold for home use. This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing such paints or breathing in their fumes.

Poisonous Ingredient

Acrylic-styrene polymer

Where Found

Emulsion-based "deck" paints are sold under various brand names.

Symptoms

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 bloody
Heart and blood
- Irregular heartbeat
Nervous system
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Loss of alertness
- Seizures
- Stupor
- Weakness

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, 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 United States 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: Poison control center - emergency number

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:

Fluids through a vein (IV)
Medicines to treat symptoms
Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days

Expectations (prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on the type and amount of paint swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Latex paint can cause irritation to the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines if swallowed. The paint will cause eye irritation if splashed into the eyes.

Review Date:5/20/2008
Reviewed By:Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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