Hydrocarbons are the primary poisonous ingredient in oil paints.

Some oil paints have heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cobalt, and barium added as pigment. These heavy metals can cause additional toxicity if consumed in sufficient quantities.

Various oil-based paints

• Respiratory
  • Cough
  • Shallow breathing -- may also be rapid or slow
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Eye and nose irritation
• Gastrointestinal
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nervous system
  • Headache
  • Visual changes
  • Light-headedness
  • Nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Depression
  • Irritation
  • Confusion
  • Stupor
  • Unconsciousness
  • Coma

Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.

If the patient is conscious give a small amount of fluid (milk or water) to stop irritation and burning of mouth and throat.

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

The Poison Control or local emergency telephone representative will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. The national Poison Control hotline can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

Some or all of the following may be performed or given:

• Gastric lavage (will generally be done only in cases in which the paint contains toxic additives swallowed in significant amounts)
• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• Fluids
• Treatment of symptoms

Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will occur. If any damage to the kidneys or lungs has occurred, it may take several months to heal.