A skull and crossbones on a container in a B movie means poison. But you can become poisoned from household cleaners, plants, and substances in the air like carbon monoxide. Kids can take poisonous substances out of a trash container or get access to such substances when visiting people who do not have childproof homes. Using poisonous volatile substances in a poorly ventilated area can cause them to be inhaled and absorbed through the body. Symptoms of poisoning include dizziness, nausea, headache, impaired speech, visual disturbances, chest pains, convulsions, and even paralysis..
NATURAL REMEDIES TO THE RESCUE
Dilute poisons by drinking lots of water or milk (which has some fat content to buffer caustic substances ingested). However, drink slowly enough to avoid vomiting if vomiting is contraindicated, such as after consumption of corrosive substances such as ammonia, bleach, and detergents. If there are burns around the lips, this can be an indication that the substance ingested was indeed corrosive. A universal antidote for poisoning is:
2 parts burnt toast (charcoal to adsorb toxins)
1 part strong black tea (tannic acid to offset alkaline)
1 part Milk of Magnesia (alkaline to offset acids)
Just using charcoal by itself is good to pass the poison out of the body.
Homeopathic remedies for poisoning include the following:
• Homeopathic Arsenicum: Can help when there is intense vomiting with restlessness and anxiety.
• Nux vomica: For poisoning that results in nausea that persists.
• Veratrum album: For serious vomiting with a cold sweat on the forehead.
Vomiting is often recommended for noncorrosive substances such as toxic plants and most drugs. If Poison Control suggests vomiting, give syrup of ipecac with lots of water. The standard dose is 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for children and 2 tablespoons (28 ml) for adults followed by 1 or 2 cups (235 to 475 ml) of water. Repeat in 20 minutes if vomiting doesn’t occur. Sticking a finger or spoon in the back of the throat can also induce vomiting.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Call your local poison control center if poisoning has occurred. Have the poison container in your hand when you call. Be prepared to give the approximate weight and age of the person poisoned. Try to find out if they have vomited. If there is a sample of vomited material, scoop it into a container along with the poison container for analysis. If the poisoned victim is unconscious, make sure they are breathing, that their air passages are clear (place them in a position that allows for ventilation and be sure their air passages are not blocked by vomit or mucus), loosen their clothing, and get them to a hospital.
After vomiting, give the person 1 to 2 tablespoons (14 to 18 g) activated charcoal in a glass of water to adsorb remaining poisons. Since charcoal can adsorb even the syrup of ipecac, do not administer charcoal until after vomiting has occurred.
FOR CHEMICAL POISONING THROUGH THE SKIN
If the poisoning is from a dry chemical, first brush away as much as possible with a soft brush or duster. Be careful to protect your hands. Next, remove contaminated clothing and rinse the body off. If the poisoning is from a wet chemical, rinse repeatedly with plenty of water for about 10 minutes. If needed, seek medical assistance.
FOR POISON THROUGH INHALATION
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and hard to detect. Stoves and all forms of fire are potential causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. Get the victim into fresh air and encourage them to breathe deeply and evenly as you call for medical attention. Loosen tight clothing. Maintain an open airway and perform artificial respiration or CPR if needed and you are qualified. After exposure to carbon monoxide, consuming some sort of stimulant like coffee or black tea can be helpful.
Skip This!
Never give food or liquid to an unconscious person. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by poison control and never in an unconscious person. Never induce vomiting in cases of ingestion of strong acids, strong alkalis, and petroleum products. They can be inhaled on their way up the esophagus and absorbed into the lungs.
KEEP IN MIND
Household chemicals and medicines should be stored out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet. Avoid storing chemicals and medicines on the same shelves as food. Make sure everything is properly labeled and do not transfer poisonous substances into unmarked bottles, cups, or glasses.
Never take medications in the dark without turning on the lights, and always read labels before using.
Avoid taking medicines in front of small children who will want to imitate you. Drugs that are colorful or sugar coated are especially tempting to them.
Never leave poisonous substances open “just for a minute.” Most poisoning fatalities occur in children between the ages of one and three.
This Treating Poison Exposure article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
