What is intoxication?
A poisoning is an undue or sufficient exposure, by ingestion, inhalation, injection, skin or eye contact, to a substance or product that may cause changes in the body or even lead to death.
What are the main causes?
Poisoning can be caused by:
- medicines, if taken in higher doses than those directed by the doctor
- cosmetics and hygiene products, usually low toxicity (be aware of products such as hair dyes)
- cleaning products, especially bleaches, grease removers and pipe cleaners, some of which can cause severe burns
- pesticides (comply with safety rules, e.g. wear protective clothing, as some of these products are absorbed through the skin)
What should I do in case of poisoning?
In the event of an accident due to intoxication, remain calm. Don't get ahead of yourself, but don't waste time. Contact the Poison Information Centre (CIAV) Line – 800 250 250
.What information should I give to healthcare professionals?
After the telephone contact, answer the questions, indicating:
- who – age, gender
- What – name of the medicine or product (if possible have the package with you), animal, plant
- how much – amount ingested (approximately) or time of exposure to the product
- When – how long ago
- Where – at home, on the street, at the workplace
- such as – on an empty stomach, with food, with alcoholic beverages
What should I do when a toxic product comes into my eyes?
If a toxic product comes into contact with the eyes:
- Rinse with running water for 15 minutes, keeping the eyelids open
- Do not apply any products
- contact the Poison Information Centre (CIAV) Line – 800 250 250
What should I do when a toxic product comes into contact with my skin?
When a product comes into contact with the skin:
- Remove contaminated clothing
- Rinse thoroughly under running water for 15 minutes
- contact the Poison Information Centre (CIAV) Line – 800 250 250
What should I do in case of inhalation?
In case of inhalation of a product:
- Remove the person out of the contaminated environment, preferably outdoors
- contact the Poison Information Centre (CIAV) Line – 800 250 250
What should I do if I ingest a toxic product?
In case of ingestion of a toxic product:
- Do not induce vomiting
- Give a few sips of water or milk to drink
- contact the Poison Information Centre (CIAV) Line – 800 250 250
What should I do in case of insect bites?
In case of a bee, wasp, seal or snake sting:
- Immobilize the affected area
- Apply Cold/Ice
- contact the Poison Information Centre (CIAV) Line – 800 250 250
What should I do in case of spiderfish bites?
In case of a spiderfish bite:
- Immobilize the affected area
- Apply Heat
- contact the Poison Information Centre (CIAV) Line – 800 250 250
To avoid spiderfish bites, wear appropriate footwear, especially on beaches where you know of their existence.
What should I do in case of contact with jellyfish?
You may develop an allergic reaction at the site of contact, the severity of which depends on the intensity of exposure and individual sensitivity.
In case of contact with a jellyfish:
- Rinse with sea water without scrubbing (never use fresh water, vinegar or alcohol)
- Apply Cold/Ice
- contact the Poison Information Centre (CIAV) Line – 800 250 250
You can try to remove the tentacles with the help of a plastic card (e.g. ATM card or driving licence). Do not use tweezers. Do not put on bandages.
Never touch the tentacles. Even when dead, stinging cells remain active. Avoid bathing in places with jellyfish.
What should I do if the contents of a detergent capsule reach a child's hands or mouth?
When a detergent capsule bursts on a child's hands or mouth, it can reach the eyes, oral cavity and skin, causing damage to these organs><. Depending on the organ affected, the lesions result from direct contact with the product:
- On the skin: erythema (red, irritated skin)
- in the eyes: burning, red eye, edema (swelling) in the eyelids or even a chemical burn
- in the mouth: vomiting, changes in the oropharynx (throat), or breathing changes due to aspiration of the product
In the event of an accident with this type of product:
- Rinse thoroughly with running water
- In case of eye contact, washing should be done, also with running water, for 10 to 15 minutes, moving the eyelids apart
- contact the Poison Information Centre (CIAV) Line – 800 250 250
Source: Poison Information Center (CIAV)