First Aid for Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning

First Aid for Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning

Article
Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT)
Brain & Nerve
+6
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAFeb 26, 2018

What is Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning?

  • Plastic casting resins are generally polyurethane or epoxy-based or other thermosetting synthetic resins that are used for making plastic models, designer toys, templates, figurines, and props. They may be also described as liquid plastics
  • Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning is the accidental or intentional intake of products containing plastic casting resins
  • The condition is diagnosed based upon the clinical history, combination of signs and symptoms, and additional tests (that may include, in some cases, radiological studies and laboratory tests)

Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning may be also referred to as the following:

  • Epoxy Poisoning
  • Plastic Casting Resin Toxicity
  • Resin Poisoning

What are the Causes of Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning?

  • Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning is caused by intake or inhalation of plastic casting resin containing products. The exposure may also occur following skin or eye contact
  • This intake could be accidental, or in some cases intentional, to bring self-harm
  • The ingredients of plastic casting resins may include epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, etc. that are toxic, particularly in liquid forms

Note: The compound can interact with other prescribed or non-prescribed medications in the body. Such interactions may enhance the therapeutic effects of other medications being taken, resulting in undesired side effects.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning?

The signs and symptoms of Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning can vary from one individual to another. It may be mild in some and severe in others. Several systems of the body may be affected

The signs and symptoms of Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning may include

  • Burning and pain in the throat and food-pipe; it may also involve the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth (lips, tongue)
  • Swelling of the mouth and tongue; unable to speak clearly
  • Skin irritation, when the condition is mild
  • Severe skin burns may cause necrosis of the underlying tissue
  • Vision abnormalities and vision loss
  • Severe pain in the stomach and abdomen
  • Nausea, vomiting (blood in vomit)
  • Blood in stool
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Irregular heart-rate
  • Sudden decrease in blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Collapse

How is First Aid administered for Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning?

First Aid tips for Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning:

  • Call 911 or your local emergency help number for emergency assistance
  • Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or your local poison control center) for further instructions
  • Provide them with information such as the compound taken, quantity and time of ingestion, age, weight and general health status of affected individual
  • Confirm that the airways are protected; also, ensure breathing and the presence of pulse
  • Unless instructed by a healthcare professional, DO NOT induce vomiting in the affected individual
  • Clean the mouth to remove any remaining pieces; wipe mouth with a wet cloth
  • If eye exposure has occurred, then wash the eye thoroughly with copious amounts of water (for about 15 minutes)
  • Take individual to emergency room (ER) for further treatment
  • Always try to take the compound bottle/container to the ER

The emergency medical health professional might perform the following steps towards treating the condition:

  • Administer suitable medication to neutralize the effects of the compound
  • Medically manage symptoms and provide breathing support, if necessary
  • Administer activated charcoal to avoid absorbance of the substance in the body
  • Administer laxatives for elimination of the substance from the body
  • Wash skin and eyes repeatedly and thoroughly (irrigation), to eliminate any remaining hazardous compound
  • Following this, a suitable skin or eye ointment may be used to treat the exposure
  • Surgical treatment for skin burns including removal of burnt skin
  • Administer fluids by an intravenous drip line

Note: In severe cases, surgical removal and repair of the affected portions of the gastrointestinal tract and stomach may be necessary.

Who should administer First Aid for Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning?

First aid for Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning is administered by healthcare professionals.

  • The individual who is affected, or someone near, should call 911 for emergency assistance (or the local emergency number)
  • They should also call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow instructions

What is the Prognosis of Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning?

  • The prognosis of Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning is dependent on the amount consumed, time between overdose and treatment, severity of the symptoms, as well as general health status of the patient
  • If the individual can recover from the symptoms, with appropriate medication and prompt support, the outcome is better
  • Treatment delays may lead to complications including perforation of the throat or gastrointestinal tract. Due to this, bleeding and infection can additionally worsen the prognosis
  • In some cases of chemical ingestion, the damage may progress for weeks and months resulting in death

In general, toxicities are common situations in the emergency departments. A majority of the cases are often not fatal, when appropriate treatment is given.

How can Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning be Prevented?

Plastic Casting Resin Poisoning can be prevented by:

  • Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is useful in protecting the lungs, eyes, mucous membranes, and skin
  • Keeping any poisonous/hazardous chemicals and other materials out of children’s reach
  • Ensure that industrial safety regulations for exposure to such compounds is adhered to at workplaces
  • Keep all poisons correctly labeled and in suitable storage locations
  • Being aware of basic first aid steps in case of an emergency (such as inadvertent poisoning)

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

  • Call 911 (or your local emergency number) for emergency assistance, if symptoms are life-threatening
  • Call Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow the recommend steps
  • It would be helpful if the following information is readily available:
    • Type, amount and time of consumption of the substance
    • Age and weight of the individual
    • And, the overall health status of the individual
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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