Health Encyclopedia

Carbolic acid

Definition

This is poisoning caused by touching or swallowing carbolic acid, a sweet-smelling clear liquid added to many different products.

Alternative Names

Phenol; Hydrobenzene and phenylic acid; Phenylic acid and hydrobenzene

Poisonous Ingredient

Phenol

Where Found

Various antiseptics
Various disinfectants
Various germicides
Adhesive dyes
Perfumes
Textiles
Lubricating oils

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Bladder and kidneys

Decreased urine output
No urine output
Blue or green colored urine

Lungs

Deep, rapid breathing
Wheezing

Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat:

Yellow eyes
Severe burns in the mouth and windpipe (esophagus)

Skin

Gastrointestinal

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain

Heart and blood

Drop in blood pressure
Rapid heart rate

Nervous system

Hyperactivity
Stupor (lack of alertness)
Coma
Convulsions

Whole Body

Excessive thirst
Heavy sweating

Home Treatment

Call Poison Control Center for appropriate treatment. Flush eyes and wash skin if exposed.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number 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 U.S. 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.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

Medicines to treat symptoms
Skin creams to treat burns
Medicines to relieve pain
Laxative
Endoscopy (a tiny camera is put down the throat to look for burns)

Expectations (prognosis)

If the patient survives past 48 hours, recovery is likely.

Review Date:3/21/2006
Reviewed By:Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.

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