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Health Information Encyclopedia - Poison


Paraffin poisoning

Definition:

This is poisoning from swallowing or eating paraffin.



Alternative Names: Wax poisoning�- paraffin

Poisonous Ingredient:

Paraffin



Where Found:
  • Some arthritis bath/spa treatments
  • Some candles
  • Some waxes
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

Eating a lot of paraffin can�cause intestinal obstruction.



Home Treatment:

Do not induce vomiting. Contact Poison Control for guidance.



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 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:

Symptoms will be treated if the person is instructed to go to the emergency room.



Expectations (prognosis):

Recovery is likely.




Review Date: 2/28/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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