Each day, you encounter products containing poisonous substances that can cause chemical poisoning when ingested. Some of the most common poisonous chemicals that are used on a daily basis include:
Arsenic poisoning and cyanide poisoning are also two common types of chemical poisoning that can cause severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.
All types of chemical poisoning can cause physical and mental damage to your body, but chemical poisoning symptoms can differ depending on the type of chemical ingested and the severity of the chemical poisoning. Common symptoms of many types of chemical poisoning include:
Other types of chemical poisons are associated with specific symptoms, such as:
If you experience any of these symptoms of chemical poisoning, it's extremely important to call 911 and seek medical attention immediately before symptoms worsen.
Arsenic is found naturally in the environment — in the Earth's crust and in the air, soil and water — and is also used in mining and agricultural pesticides. Arsenic poisoning is caused by the ingestion of, or exposure to, arsenic. Arsenic can be a very toxic substance; if consumed in water at 60 parts per million, it can cause death in a short period of time. Other arsenic poisoning symptoms include:
Chronic arsenic poisoning, usually from long-term exposure to contaminated drinking water, can result is associated with symptoms such as:
Much like arsenic poisoning, cyanide poisoning can be lethal. Cyanide is a chemical found in cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, pesticides and some plastics. During World War I, cyanides were used as chemical weapons, due to their toxicity and fast-acting nature. Some symptoms linked to cyanide poisoning are:
Chemical poisoning can be very dangerous. Call 911 and Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you or someone you love is experiencing severe symptoms associated with chemical poisoning.
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