Oil-based paint poisoning

Definition

Oil-based paint poisoning occurs when large amounts of oil-based paint get into your stomach or lungs. It may also occur if the poison gets into your eyes or touches your skin.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

Paint - oil-based - poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

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 poisoning if swallowed in large amounts.

Where Found

These ingredients are found in various oil-based paints.

Symptoms

Poisoning symptoms can affect many parts of the body.

EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT

  • Blurred or decreased vision
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Eye and nose irritation (burning, tearing, redness, or runny nose)

HEART

LUNGS

  • Cough
  • Shallow breathing -- may also be rapid, slow, or painful

NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nervousness
  • Stupor (decreased level of consciousness)
  • Unconsciousness

SKIN

  • Blisters
  • Burning feeling
  • Itchiness
  • Numbness or tingling

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person a small amount of water or milk to stop the burning, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the person is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Person's age, weight, and condition (for example, is the person awake or alert?)
  • Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control

Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline 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 United States 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.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood and urine tests will be done.

Symptoms will be treated as needed. The person may receive:

  • Airway and breathing support, including oxygen. In extreme cases, a tube may be passed through the mouth into the lungs to prevent aspiration. A breathing tube (ventilator) would then be needed.
  • Chest x-ray.
  • ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing).
  • Endoscopy -- a camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and stomach.
  • Fluids through a vein (IV).
  • Laxatives to move the poison quickly through the body.
  • Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage). This will generally be done only in cases in which the paint contains toxic substances that are swallowed in large amounts.
  • Medicines to treat symptoms.
  • Washing of the skin and face (irrigation).

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received.

Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that the person will recover. If any damage to the kidneys or lungs has occurred, it may take several months to heal. Some organ damage may be permanent. Death may occur in serious poisonings.

References

Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM, Schuh AM. Poisoning. In: Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM, Schuh AM, eds. Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 45.

Meehan TJ. Care of the poisoned patient. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 135.

Wang GS, Buchanan JA. Hydrocarbons. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 147.

Review Date: 10/6/2022
Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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