Mineral spirits Health Article

Definition

This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing or breathing in mineral spirits.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient

The poisonous ingredients in mineral spirits are hydrocarbons, which are substances that contain only hydrogen and carbon. Examples are benzene and methane.

Where Found

• Mineral spirits (Stoddard solvent)
• Some paints
• Some floor and furniture waxes and polishes
• Some dry cleaning fluids
• White spirits

Symptoms

• Airways and lungs
  • Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
  • Throat swelling (may also cause breathing difficulty)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Severe pain in the throat
  • Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
  • Vision loss
• Gastrointestinal
  • Abdominal pain -- severe
  • Blood stools
  • Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)
  • Vomiting, possibly bloody
• Heart and blood
  • Collapse
  • Low blood pressure -- develops rapidly
  • Rapid heartbeat
• Nervous system
  • Burning sensations
  • Convulsions
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of alertness
  • Memory problems
  • Nervousness
  • Numbness in arms and legs
• Skin
  • Burns
  • Irritation
  • Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues

Home Treatment

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

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

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

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