Rubber cement poisoning

Rubber cement is a common household glue. It is often used for arts and crafts projects. Breathing in large amounts of rubber cement fumes or swallowing any amount can be extremely dangerous, especially for a small child.

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 your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison 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

The harmful substances in rubber cement are:

• Acetone

  Acetone

  Acetone is a chemical used in many household products. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing acetone-based products. Poisoning may also ...

   

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• Heptane
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Paradichlorobenzene

  Paradichlorobenzene

  Paradichlorobenzene is a white, solid chemical with a very strong odor. Poisoning can occur if you swallow this chemical. This article is for inform...

   

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• Trichloroethane

Where Found

Various brands of rubber cement contain these substances.

Symptoms

Most symptoms occur in people who repeatedly sniff rubber cement to get "high." The symptoms below can occur in different parts of the body.

AIRWAYS AND LUNGS

• Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
• Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)

EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT

• Burning in the nose, lips, throat, or eyes
• Vision loss

HEART AND BLOOD

• Change in the acid balance of the blood, which can lead to organ damage
• Collapse
• Low blood pressure

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

NERVOUS SYSTEM

• Convulsions
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Muscle spasms
• Nerve problems
• Unconsciousness
• Unstable walk

SKIN

• Irritation

Home Care

Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. Seek medical help right away.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the person swallowed rubber cement, give them water or milk right away if a provider tells you to do so. Do NOT give anything to drink if the person has symptoms that make it hard to swallow. These include vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness.

If the person breathed in the rubber cement, move them to fresh air right away.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

Your local poison 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 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 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. Symptoms will be treated.

The person may receive:

• Breathing support, including tube through the mouth into the lungs, and breathing machine (ventilator)
• Bronchoscopy: camera down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs
• Chest x-ray
• EKG (electrocardiogram or heart tracing)
• Fluids through a vein (IV)
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach ( gastric lavage )

  Gastric lavage

  Gastric suction is a procedure to empty the contents of your stomach.

   

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• Washing of the skin (irrigation), perhaps every few hours for several days

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster a person gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Swallowing or putting small amounts of rubber cement in your mouth is often harmless. However, eating large amounts on purpose can cause damage to your brain, liver, and kidneys. Severe damage to your brain, lungs, and kidneys can occur over time from repeatedly "sniffing" rubber cement.