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Health Care Encyclopedia

Health Information Encyclopedia - Poison

Ink - writing

Definition:

Poisoning from an ingestion of writing ink.



Alternative Names: Pen ink

Poisonous Ingredient:

Writing ink is generally considered non-toxic.



Where Found:
  • Pens


Symptoms:
  • May cause eye irritation
  • Staining of skin and other mucous membranes


Home Treatment:

For any toxic ingestion or allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately. Large amounts of writing ink must be consumed (more than an ounce) before treatment is necessary. Call Poison Control for further guidance.



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:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the person to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.



What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

  • Washing of ink from the eyes or skin
  • Treat the symptoms


Expectations (prognosis):

As these products are generally considered non-toxic, recovery is very likely.



Review Date: 4/16/2004
Reviewed By: Cherlin Johnson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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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