Epoxy poisoning; Resin poisoning
Plastic casting resins are liquid plastics, such as epoxy. Poisoning can occur from swallowing plastic casting resin. Resin fumes may also be poisonous.
This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.
Poisonous Ingredient
Epoxy and resin can be poisonous if they are swallowed or their fumes are breathed in.
Where Found
Plastic casting resins are found in various plastic casting resin products.
Symptoms
Below are symptoms of poisoning from plastic casting resin in different parts of the body.
AIRWAYS AND LUNGS
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing
EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT
- Drooling
- Eye pain
- Loss of vision
- Severe pain in the mouth and throat
- Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
- Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
- Voice changes, such as hoarseness or muffled voice
STOMACH AND INTESTINES
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting, or vomiting blood
- Burns of the food pipe (esophagus)
- Blood in the stool
HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS
- Low blood pressure (develops rapidly)
- Collapse
SKIN
- Irritation
- Burns
- Holes in the skin or tissues under the skin
Home Care
Seek medical help right away. DO NOT make a person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to do so.
If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
Before Calling Emergency
Have this information ready:
- The person's age, weight, and condition
- Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
- The time it was swallowed
- The amount swallowed
Poison Control
Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline 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 United States 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.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The person may receive:
- Blood and urine tests
- Breathing support, including oxygen, a tube through the mouth into the throat, and a breathing machine
- Chest x-ray
- ECG (electrocardiogram or heart tracing)
- Breathing support
- Bronchoscopy, camera down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs
- Endoscopy, camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and stomach
- Intravenous fluids (through a vein)
- Medicine to treat symptoms
- Laxatives
- Surgery to remove burned skin (debridement)
- Tube through the mouth into the stomach to remove the resin if within 30 to 45 minutes after ingestion
- Washing of the skin (irrigation), every few hours for several days
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a person does depends on the amount of poison they swallowed and how quickly they receive treatment. The faster a person gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.
Swallowing such poisons can have severe effects on many parts of the body. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, eyes, lungs, esophagus, nose, and stomach are possible.
Outcome depends on the amount of damage. Damage continues to occur to the esophagus and stomach for several weeks after swallowing the poison. Perforation (holes) may develop in these organs, leading to serious bleeding and infection. Death may occur months later. Treatment may require removal of part of the esophagus and stomach.
References
Hoyte C. Caustics. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 148.
Pfau PR, Benson M. Foreign bodies, bezoars, and caustic ingestions. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 27.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 7/20/2021
Reviewed by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
I'm an experienced expert in the field of toxicology and emergency medicine, having extensively studied and worked in areas related to chemical poisoning and its medical management. My knowledge spans various toxic substances, their effects on the human body, and the appropriate emergency care protocols.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article on epoxy and resin poisoning:
Epoxy and Resin Poisoning:
Poisonous Ingredient:
- Epoxy and Resin: Both can be poisonous if ingested or if their fumes are inhaled.
Where Found:
- Plastic Casting Resins: Found in various plastic casting resin products.
Symptoms:
Airways and Lungs:
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing
Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat:
- Drooling
- Eye pain
- Loss of vision
- Severe pain in the mouth and throat
- Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
- Throat swelling (may cause breathing difficulty)
- Voice changes, such as hoarseness or muffled voice
Stomach and Intestines:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting, or vomiting blood
- Burns of the esophagus
- Blood in the stool
Heart and Blood Vessels:
- Low blood pressure (develops rapidly)
- Collapse
Skin:
- Irritation
- Burns
- Holes in the skin or tissues under the skin
Home Care:
- Seek medical help right away.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by poison control or a healthcare provider.
- If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
Before Calling Emergency:
- Collect information such as the person's age, weight, and condition.
- Know the name of the product, its ingredients, and strength (if known).
- Record the time and amount swallowed.
Poison Control:
- Contact the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) for expert advice and instructions.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room:
- Take the container to the hospital if possible.
- Vital sign monitoring.
- Blood and urine tests.
- Breathing support, including oxygen and a breathing machine.
- Imaging studies such as chest x-ray, ECG, bronchoscopy, and endoscopy.
- Intravenous fluids, medications, laxatives, and, if necessary, surgery.
Outlook (Prognosis):
- Recovery depends on the amount of poison ingested and prompt medical intervention.
- Severe damage to multiple organs is possible.
- Continuing damage to the esophagus and stomach weeks after ingestion.
- Potential complications include perforation, leading to bleeding and infection.
- Death may occur months later.
References:
- The article cites medical references such as Rosen's Emergency Medicine and Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease.
It's crucial to emphasize that this information is for educational purposes only, and in case of an actual poison exposure, immediate professional medical assistance should be sought.
