Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Household chemicals: management of intoxication and antidotes

  • Chapter
Molecular, Clinical and Environmental Toxicology

Part of the book series: Experientia Supplementum ((EXS,volume 100))

Abstract

Exposure to household products is very common, but in industrialized countries severe or fatal poisoning with household products is rare today, due to the legal restriction of sale of hazardous household products. The big challenge for physicians, pharmacologists and toxicologists is to identify the few exceptional life-threatening situations where immediate intervention is needed. Among thousands of innocuous products available for the household only very few are hazardous. Substances found in these products include detergents, corrosives, alcohols, hydrocarbons, and some of the essential oils. The ingestion of batteries and magnets and the exposure to cyanoacrylates (super glue) can cause complications in exceptional situations. Among the most dangerous substances still present in household products are ethylene glycol and methanol. These substances cause major toxicity only through their metabolites. Therefore, initial symptoms may be only mild or absent. Treatment even in asymptomatic patients has to be initiated as early as possible to inhibit production of toxic metabolites. For all substances not only the compound itself but also the route of exposure is relevant for toxicity. Oral ingestion and inhalation generally lead to most pronounced symptoms, while dermal exposure is often limited to mild irritation. However, certain circumstances need special attention. Exposure to hydrofluoric acid may lead to fatal hypocalcemia, depending on the concentration, duration of exposure, and area of the affected skin. Accidents with hydrocarbon pressure injectors and spray guns are very serious events, which may lead to amputation of affected limbs. Button batteries normally pass the gastrointestinal tract without problems even in toddlers; in rare cases, however, they get lodged in the esophagus with the risk of localized tissue damage and esophageal perforation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. STIC (2008) Swiss Toxicological Information Centre. Annual Report 2008. Available at: http://www.to.xi.ch (accessed August 14, 2009)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Bronstein AC, Spyker DA, Cantilena LR, Green JL, Rumack BH, Heard SE (2008) 2007 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poison Data System (NPDS): 25th Annual Report. Clin Toxicol 46: 927–1057

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Schaper A, Renneberg B, Desel H, Langer C (2006) Intoxication-related fatalities in Northern Germany. Eur J Intern Med 17: 474–8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Okan F, Coban A, Ince Z, Can G (2007) A rare and preventable cause of respiratory insufficiency: Ingestion of benzalkonium chloride. Pediatr Emerg Care 23: 404–406

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Rauber-Lüthy C (1997) Schwere und tödliche Säure-und Laugenverätzungen: Eine retrospektive Fallanalyse aus dem Schweizerischen Toxikologischen Informationszentrum (STIZ). University of Zürich 1997, MD thesis (in German), available at: http://www.toxi.ch (accessed August 14, 2009)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Gaudreault P, Parent M, McGuigan, Chicoine L, Lovejoy FH Jr (1983) Predictability of esophageal injury from signs and symptoms: A study of caustic ingestion in 378 children. Pediatrics 71: 767–770

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Stiff G, Rees BI, Alwafi A, Lari J (1996) Corrosive injuries of the oesophagus and stomach: Experience in management at a regional paediatric centre. Ann R coll Surg Engl 78: 119–123

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Appelqvist P, Salmo M (1980) Lye corrosion carcinoma of the esophagus: A review of 63 cases. Cancer 45: 2655–2658

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Kochhar R, Sethy PK, Kochhar S, Nagi B, Gupta NM (2006) Corrosive induced carcinoma of oesophagus: Report of three patients and review of literature. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 21: 777–780

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Homan CS, Maitra SR, Lane BP, Thode HC, Sable M (1994) Therapeutic effects of water and milk for acute alkali injury of the esophagus. Ann Emerg Med 24: 14–20

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Pelclová D, Navrátil T (2005) Do corticosteroids prevent oesophageal stricture after corrosive ingestion? Toxicol Rev 24: 125–129

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Fulton JA, Hoffman RS (2007) Steroids in second degree caustic burns of the esophagus: A systematic pooled analysis of fifty years of human data: 1956–2006. Clin Toxicol 45: 402–408

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Spöler F, Frentz M, Först M, Kurz H, Schrage NF (2008) Analysis of hydrofluoric acid penetration and decontamination of the eye by means of time-resolved optical coherence tomography. Burns 34: 549–555

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Rihawi S, Frentz M, Schrage NF (2006) Emergency treatment of eye burns: Which rinsing solution should we choose? Graefe’s Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 244: 845–854

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Adhikari N, Burns KE, Meade MO (2004) Pharmacologic therapies for adults with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 18: CD004477

    Google Scholar 

  16. Meduri GU, Headley AS, Golden E, Carson SJ, Umberger RA, Kelso T, Tolley EA (1998) Effect of prolonged methylprednisolone therapy in unresolving acute respiratory distres syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. J Am Med Assoc 280: 159–165

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Baraona E, Abittan CS, Dohmen K (2001) Gender differences in pharmacokinetics of alcohol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 25: 502–507

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Andréasson R, Jones AW, Erik MP (1995) Widmark (1889–1945) Swedish pioneer in forensic alcohol toxicology. Forensic Sci Int 72: 1–14

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Hodgman M, Wezorek C, Krenzelok E (1997) Toxic inhalation of ethylene glycol: A pharmacological improbability. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 35: 109–111

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Long H, Nelson LS, Hoffman RS (2008) A rapid qualitative test for suspected ethylene glycol poisoning. Acad Emerg Med 5: 688–690

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Widman C (1946) A few cases of ethylene glycol intoxication. Acta Med Scand 126: 293–306

    Google Scholar 

  22. Barceloux DG, Krenzelok EP, Olson K, Watson W (1999) American Academy of Clinical Toxicology practice guidelines on the treatment of ethylene glycol poisoning. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 37: 537–560

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Aufderheide TP, White SM, Brady WJ, Stueven HA (1993) Inhalational and percutaneous methanol toxicity in two firefighters. Ann Emerg Med 22: 1916–1918

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Frenia ML, Schauben JL (1993) Methanol inhalation toxicity. Ann Emerg Med 22: 1919–1923

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Bennett IL, Cary FH, Mitchell GL, Cooper MN (1953) Acute methyl alcohol poisoning: A review based on experiences in an outbreak of 323 cases. Medicine 32: 431–463

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Dyer_ S, Mycyk MB, Ahrens WR, Zell-Kanter M (2002) Hemorrhagic gastritis from topical isopropanol exposure. Ann Pharmacother 36: 1733–1735

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Lacouture PG, Wason S, Abrams A, Lovejoy FH (1983) Acute isopropyl alcohol intoxication. Diagnosis and management. Am J Med 75: 680–686

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Trullas JC, Aguilo S, Castro P, Nogue S (2004) Life-threatening isopropyl alcohol intoxication: Is hemodialysis really necessary? Vet Hum Toxicol 46: 282–284

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Jerrard D, Verdile V, Yealy D, Krenzelok E, Menegazzi J (1992) Serum determinations in toxic isopropanol ingestion. Am J Emerg Med 10: 200–202

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Vujasinovic M, Kocar M, Kramer K, Bunc M, Brvar M (2007) Poisoning with 1-propanol and 2-propanol. Hum Exp Toxicol 26: 975–978

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Barrowman JA, Rahman A, Lindstrom MB, Borgstrom B (1989) Intestinal absorption and metabolism of hydrocarbons. Prog Lipid Res 28: 189–203

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Schart SM, Prinsloo I (1982) Pulmonary mechanics in dogs given different doses of kerosene intratracheally. Am Rev Respir Dis 126: 695–700

    Google Scholar 

  33. Scharf SM, Heimer D, Goldstein J (1981) Pathologic and physiologic effects of aspiration of hydrocarbons in the rat. Am Rev Respir Dis 124: 625–629

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Kamijo Y, Soma K, Asari Y, Ohwada T (2000) Pulse steroid therapy in adult respiratory distress syndrome following petroleum naphtha ingestion. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 38: 59–62

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Facon Coumbaras J, Bigot E, Bahlouli F, Boissonnas A, Bellin MF (2005) Acute hydrocarbon pneumonia after white spirit aspiration: Sequential HRCT findings. Eur Radiol 15: 31–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Domej W, Mitterhammer H, Stauber R, Kaufmann P, Smolle KH (2007) Successful outcome after intravenous gasoline injection. J Med Toxicol 3: 173–177

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Neeld EM, Limacher MC (1978) Chemical pneumonitis after the intravenous injection of hydrocarbon. Radiology 129: 36

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Victoria MS, Nangia BS (1987) Hydrocarbon poisoning: A review. Pediatr Emerg Care 3: 184–186

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Truemper E, Reyes de la Rocha S, Atkinson SD (1987) Clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and management of hydrocarbon ingestion: Case report and review of the literature. Pediatr Emerg Care 3: 187–193

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Ansari EA (1997) Ocular injury with xylene — A report of two cases. Hum Exp Toxicol 16: 273–275

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Pinto M, Turkula-Pinto L, Cooney W, Wood MB, Dobyns JH (1993) High-pressure injection injuries of the hand. Review of 25 patients managed by open wound technique. J Hand Surg 18: 125–130

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Liotier J, Barbier M, Plantefeve G, Duale C, Deteix P, Souweine B, Coudoré F (2008) A rare cause of abdominal compartment syndrome: Acute trichloroethylene overdose. Clin Toxicol 46: 905–907

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Anas N, Namasonthi V, Ginsburg CM (1981) Criteria for hospitalizing children who have ingested products containing hydrocarbons. J Am Med Assoc 246: 840–843

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Edwards KE, Wenstone R (2000) Successful resuscitation from recurrent ventricular fibrillation secondary to butane inhalation. Br J Anaesth, 84: 803–805

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Mortiz F, de La Chapelle A, Bauer F (2000) Esmolol in the treatment of severe arrhythmia after acute trichloroethylene poisoning. Intensive Care Med 26: 256

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Wolfsdorf J (1976) Experimental kerosene pneumonitis in primates: Relevance to the therapeutic management of childhood poisoning. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 3: 539–544

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Widner LR, Goodwin SR, Berman LS, Banner MJ, Freid EB, KcKee TW (1996) Artificial surfactant for therapy in hydrocarbon-induced lung injury in sheep. Crit Care Med 24: 1524–1529

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Fialkov JA, Freiberg A. (1991) High pressure injection injuries: An overview. J Emerg Med 9: 367–371

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Höld KM, Sirisoma NS, Ikeda T, Narahashi T, Casida JE (2000) α-Thujone (the active component of absinthe): γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptor modulation and metabolic detoxification. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97: 3826–3831

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Landelle C, Francony G, Sam-Laï NF, Gaillard Y, Vincent F, Wrobleski I, Danel V (2008) Poisoning by lavandin extract in a 18-month-old boy. Clin Toxicol 46: 279–281

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Spoerke DG, Vandenberg SA, Smolinske SC, Kulig K, Rumack BH (1989) Eucalyptus oil: 14 cases of exposure. Vet Hum Toxicol 31: 166–168

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Khine H, Weiss D, Graber N, Hoffman RS, Esteban-Cruciani N, Avner JR (2009) A cluster of children with seizures caused by camphor poisoning. Pediatrics 123: 1269–1272

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Weisbord SD, Soule JB, Kimmel PL (1997) Poison on line — Acute renal failure caused by oil of wormwood purchased through the internet. N Engl J Med 337: 825–827

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. O’Mullane NM, Joyce P, Kamath SV, Tham MK, Knass D (1982) Adverse CNS effects of menthol-containing olbas oil. Lancet 1: 1121

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Temple WA, Smith NA, Beasley M (1991) Management of oil of citronella poisoning. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 29: 257–262

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Manoguerra AS, Erdman AR, Wax PM (2006) Camphor poisoning: An evidence-based practice guideline for out-of-hospital management. Clin Toxicol 44: 357–370

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Dean BS, Burdick JD, Geotz CM, Bricker JD, Krenzelok EP (1992) In vivo evaluation of the adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal for camphor. Vet Hum Toxicol 34: 297–300

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Vitale C, George M, Sheroff A, Hernon C, Boyer E (2008) Tracheal and bronchial obstruction following cyanoacrylate aspiration in a toddler. Clin Toxicol 46: 560–562

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Cousin GC (1990) Accidental application of cyanoacrylate to the mouth. Br Dent J 169: 293–294

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Mant TG, Lewis JL, Mattoo TK, Rigden SP, Volans GN, House IM, Wakefield AJ, Coel RS (1987) Mercury poisoning after disc-battery ingestion. Hum Toxicol 6: 179–181

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Yamashita M, Saito S, Koyama K (1987) Esophageal electrochemical burn by button-type alka-line batteries in dogs. Vet Hum Toxicol 29: 226–230

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Altaf MA, Goday PS, Telega G (2008) Allergic enterocolitis and protein-losing enteropathy as the presentations of manganese leak from an ingested disk battery: A case report. J Med Case Reports 27: 286

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Anand TS, Kumar S, Wadhwa V, Dhawan R (2002) Rare case of spontaneous closure of tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to disc battery ingestion. Int J Ped Otorhinolaryngol 63: 57–59

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Shabino CL, Feinberg AN (1979) Esophageal perforation secondary to alkaline battery ingestion. JACEP 8: 360–362

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Dutta S, Barzin A (2008) Multiple magnet ingestion as a source of severe gastrointestinal complications requiring surgical intervention. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 162: 123–125

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Swiss Toxicological Information Centre (STIC), Freiestrasse 16, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland

    Christine Rauber-Lüthy & Hugo Kupferschmidt

Authors
  1. Christine Rauber-Lüthy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hugo Kupferschmidt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Thielallee 88-92, 14195, Berlin, Germany

    Andreas Luch

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2010 Birkhäuser Verlag/Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Rauber-Lüthy, C., Kupferschmidt, H. (2010). Household chemicals: management of intoxication and antidotes. In: Luch, A. (eds) Molecular, Clinical and Environmental Toxicology. Experientia Supplementum, vol 100. Birkhäuser Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7643-8338-1_10

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation