Rubber cement

Definition

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

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

• Acetone
• Heptane
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Paradichlorobenzene
• Trichloroethane

Where Found

Various rubber cements (often used for arts and crafts projects). Elmer's rubber glue is one brand.

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Most symptoms occur in people who repeatedly sniff rubber cement to get "high."

• 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
• Intestinal tract
  • Vomiting
• Nervous system
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Muscle spasms
  • Nerve problems
  • Unconsciousness
  • Unstable walk
• Skin
  • Irritation

Home Treatment

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

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:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed