Drain Cleaner Poisoning & Symptoms

Drain cleaner, though useful in the home, contains dangerous chemicals that are hazardous if swallowed or inhaled. It is important to know the symptoms of drain cleaner poisoning.

Identification

• Symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting and a burning throat are common in drain cleaner poisoning.

Warning

• Severe symptoms include a plunging blood pressure, trouble breathing and collapsing.

Prevention/Solution

• If you or someone else has suspected drain cleaner poisoning, call the Poison Control center immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless someone at Poison Control instructs you to do so. In severe cases, they will direct to you to go to the emergency room.

Considerations

• If the person is not vomiting and can breathe, give them a glass of water or milk to drink to help calm other symptoms.

Effects

• Prognosis depends on how much chemical has been ingested and how fast help is sought. People have been known to die up to one month after exposure to drain cleaner.