Calcium hydroxide

• calcium hydroxide

Where Found:

• limewater
• slaked lime
• cement

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:
from swallowing:

• body as a whole:
  • mouth (severe pain)
  • chest pain (severe)
  • collapse
  • fever

• respiratory
  • chest pain (severe)
  • cough

• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • throat pain (severe)

• gastrointestinal
  • abdominal pain (severe)
  • vomiting

from skin or eye contact:

• severe burns if contact is longer than a few minutes

Home Treatment:

• DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING !
• If calcium hydroxide is on the skin, or in eye flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
• If calcium hydroxide is swallowed, give milk or water to dilute it.
• For inhalation patient, remove the patient to fresh air.

Before Calling Poison Control:
Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed

Call Poison Control:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the poison container with you to the emergency room.

What to Expect:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Give fluids to dilute the poison.
• Use gastric lavage .
• Treat the symptoms.

Prognosis:
Survival past 48 hours usually indicates recovery will occur. If chemical burn occurred in the eye, permanent blindness can result.