Poisoning

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• QCan alcohol poisoning have any complications?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Complications from alcohol poisoning, which occurs when high quantities of alcohol are consumed in one session, include coma and death. The lethal dose for alcohol is about .35 to .40 percent, or about five times the legal limit (0.08) in most states. However, death can occur from alcohol poisoning at lower levels, especially for women. For a 120-pound man or woman drinking very quickly, it would only take eight to 10 drinks in an hour to reach the lethal level.

  This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.

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• QWhat should I do if a poisoned person becomes violent or threatening?

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  A American Red Cross answered

  If the person becomes violent or threatening, move to safety and wait for help to arrive.
• QCan prescribed medicines cause severe poisoning?

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  A Dr. Elif E. Oker, MD , Medical Toxicology, answered

  Yes. Prescribed medicines can cause severe poisoning if taken inappropriately. Some examples of prescribed medicines with severe side effects, if taken in excess, include antidepressants, beta blockers and digitalis.

  It is also important to know that over-the-counter medication can also have severe side effects. For example, acetaminophen is known to damage the liver when taken in excess amounts. 

  The best way to avoid severe poisoning from medication is to take medication as directed by your physician or as directed on the package. A pharmacist is also a good resource when you have questions about medication.

• QHow can I protect myself from the radiation emitted by cell phones?

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  A Dr. Lisa S. Thornton, MD , Pediatrics, answered

  

  To protect yourself from radiation emitted by cell phones and other devices, you should keep it as far away from your body as possible. In this video, I will share important tips on shielding yourself from potential harm. 
• QShould I talk to my doctor about symptoms of industrial waste poisoning?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  Symptoms of industrial waste poisoning often occur almost immediately after a person has been exposed to a toxic chemical. For example, in the case of exposure to hydrogen cyanide, symptoms that might develop right away include weakness, vomiting, headache, a feeling of confusion or anxiety, and exhaustion. These symptoms may further develop into respiratory distress, and then, in some cases, coma or death. If a person is exposed to industrial waste, emergency procedures may need to be taken. If you believe you have been exposed to a toxic substance, it is important to tell your doctor right away.

• QCan benzene cause industrial waste poisoning?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  Yes, benzene is a toxic chemical that can cause industrial waste poisoning. Benzene is flammable and unstable. It is absorbed very quickly in the body after it has been inhaled. It can irritate the throat and lungs, and cause problems with both the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. Benzene is a chemical waste product of factories, mills, and mining operations. People who work in places where benzene is used or made are at risk for industrial waste poisoning.

• QWhat happens when I call the National Poison Control Center hotline?

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  A American Red Cross answered

  When you call this number, your call is automatically routed to your regional poison control center based on your area code. The regional staff then tells you what care to give.
• QHow should I care for someone who has inhaled toxic fumes?

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  A American Red Cross answered

  If it is safe for you to do so, get the person to fresh air. Anyone who has inhaled toxic fumes needs fresh air as soon as possible.
• QHow can I keep medicines away from my child?

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  A RealAge answered

  You can keep medication safe from your children by doing the following:

  • Close medicine containers immediately after using them. Put them away, out of the reach of children of all ages.
  • Keep medicines in their original containers.
  • Keep medicines out of sight of children.
  • Don’t set medicines on a countertop or bedside table.
  • If a medication has expired, throw it away.

  From Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children by Jennifer Trachtenberg.

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• QHow can I tell if someone has inhaled toxic fumes?

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  A American Red Cross answered

  It is often difficult to tell if a poisoning victim has inhaled toxic fumes. Sometimes when a person breathes in toxic fumes, his or her skin may turn pale or ashen, which indicates a lack of oxygen.