Find a Doctor Employment at WakeMed Events & Education For Physicians For Employees Contact Us

Health Care Encyclopedia

Health Information Encyclopedia - Poison


Sodium carbonate poisoning

Definition:

This poisoning is from an overdose of sodium carbonate.



Alternative Names: Sal soda; Soda ash; Disodium salt; Caronic acid; Washing soda

Poisonous Ingredient:

Sodium carbonate



Where Found:
  • Automatic dishwashing soaps
  • Some antacids
  • Some bleaches
  • Some bubble bath solutions
  • Clinitest tablets
  • Some steam iron cleaners
  • Pulp and paer industries
  • Glass manufacturers
Note: This list is not all inclusive.

Symptoms:

Home Treatment:

DO NOT make the person throw up.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person ONE GLASS of water or milk. DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is vomiting or has a decreased level of alertness.

If the person breathed in the chemical, immediately move him or her to fresh air.



Before Calling Emergency:

If readily available, 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:

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.



What to expect at the emergency room:

For swallowed poison

  • Give fluids
  • Give an antidote
  • Treat the symptoms
  • X-rays of chest and abdomen
  • Endoscopy

For inhaled poison

  • Treat the symptoms
  • Give supplemental oxygen


Expectations (prognosis):

How well a patient does depends on�how fast the poison is diluted and neutralized.�

Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage. Damage may continue to occur to the esophagus and stomach for several days after the poison was swallowed.�Further complications or death may occur on a delayed basis.




Review Date: 3/2/2006
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-KetteringCancer Center, New York, NY. 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.

adam.com

Heart Center
Women's Pavilion & Birthplace
Children's Center
Center for Patient Safety
Emergency Services/Trauma
Rehab


To read our disclaimer, click here