Photographic fixative poisoning

Definition

Photographic fixatives are chemicals used to develop photographs.

This article discusses poisoning from swallowing such chemicals.

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

Photographic developer poisoning; Hydroquinone poisoning; Quinone poisoning; Sulfite poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

Poisonous ingredients include:

  • Hydroquinones
  • Quinones
  • Sodium thiosulfate
  • Sodium sulfite
  • Sodium bisulfite
  • Potassium aluminum sulfate
  • Boric acid

The fixing agent, sodium thiosulfate, along with the preservative, sodium bisulfite, can break down (decompose) to form sulfur dioxide gas, which can damage the lungs and provoke asthma attacks.

Where Found

These chemicals are found in products used to develop photographs.

Symptoms

Poisoning symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Burning pain in the throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Eye irritation or burning
  • Coma
  • Diarrhea (watery, bloody, green-blue colored)
  • Low blood pressure
  • Skin irritation or rash
  • Stupor (confusion, decreased level of consciousness)
  • Vomiting
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Lack of coordination

Home Care

Seek immediate emergency medical help. DO NOT make the person throw up. Give water or milk unless the person is unconscious or having convulsions. Contact poison control for further help.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

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

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.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care 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. The person may receive:

  • Activated charcoal, so that the poison that remains does not get absorbed into the stomach and digestive tract.
  • Airway and breathing support, including oxygen. In extreme cases, a tube may be passed through the mouth into the lungs to prevent aspiration.
  • Chest x-ray.
  • ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing).
  • Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and stomach.
  • Fluids through a vein (by IV).
  • Laxatives to move the poison quickly through the body.
  • Medicines to treat symptoms.
  • Tube through the mouth into the stomach (rare) to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage).

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on how much of the poison was swallowed and how quickly the person received medical help. Swallowing these products can cause severe effects in many parts of the body. The faster treatment is received, the greater the chance of recovery.

References

Hoyte C. Caustics. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 143.

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.

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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