Definition

Overdose of oil-type paints is poisoning from swallowing oil-based paint.

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 toxicity if consumed in sufficient quantities.

Where Found

Various oil-based paints

Symptoms

Home Treatment

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.

Before Calling Emergency

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

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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.

Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

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
Review Date:5/10/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone, M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.