Following the incident in Ho Chi Minh City where five people suffered life-threatening poisoning from cleaning chemicals, experts are warning people to be cautious when handling chemicals.
According to information from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health , Binh Chanh District Hospital has just received 5 suspected cases of PAC (Poly Aluminium Chloride) chemical poisoning.
PAC is known to be a type of aluminum sulfate, existing in a high molecular weight (polymer) form. This chemical, also known as a coagulant or flocculant, can increase water clarity, extend filtration cycles, and improve water quality after filtration. PAC acts as a sequestering agent, significantly improving the properties of polymers in water.
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Earlier, also regarding chemical poisoning, information from the Intensive Care and Toxicology Department of Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital indicated that the facility had just received two patients in a deep coma suspected of gas poisoning, transferred from a district-level medical center.
According to health experts, in daily life, we often use chemicals for household and industrial purposes, including: dishwashing liquid, laundry soap, detergents, bath soap, pesticides, rat poison, etc.
Without prompt first aid for chemical poisoning, victims may lose consciousness, become agitated, have seizures, stop breathing, or even die.
Chemical poisoning is caused by ingesting, coming into contact with, or injecting drugs or chemicals, or inhaling toxic fumes. With cleaning products, many people are poisoned due to accidental ingestion or skin contact.
There are many types of chemicals, each with different effects on health. Based on the method of chemical exposure, symptoms are categorized into several groups, including:
Inhalation poisoning: Chemicals can cause damage and burns to the respiratory tract or lung parenchyma, leading to airway constriction, causing labored breathing, and wheezing. If respiratory failure occurs, the patient may become cyanotic, comatose, stop breathing, and die.
Chemical poisoning through the skin: Chemicals spilled on the skin cause burns (redness, blistering, sores, etc.).
Chemical poisoning through the digestive tract: In case of accidental ingestion of chemicals, symptoms include: general discomfort, dizziness, abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, and stomach cramps.
Chemical poisoning affecting the nervous system: Chemicals impacting the nervous system can cause dizziness, headaches, seizures, and coma. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to cardiovascular collapse and death.
Chemical poisoning affects the circulatory system, causing symptoms such as low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat.
Principles for handling someone who has been poisoned:
Step 1: Observe your surroundings, ensure your safety, and approach to find the cause.
Step 2: Quickly transport the patient to a safe location.
Step 3: Observe and assess the patient's condition.
Step 4: Perform basic first aid if you have knowledge of chemical poisoning first aid.
Step 5: If the victim is conscious, gather information, take photos, or bring along any chemicals that may have caused the poisoning.
Step 6: Call for emergency services and take the patient to the nearest hospital.
Based on the patient's condition and the route of chemical exposure, appropriate first aid should be administered. For example, in cases of respiratory poisoning: Quickly remove the patient from the area containing the toxic gas or chemical to a well-ventilated area. Perform artificial respiration if the patient is cyanotic, has cardiac arrest, and respiratory arrest.
Skin poisoning: Quickly take the patient to a source of clean water and wash off any residue on the skin with soap or a skin-safe cleansing solution. If the poison gets into the eyes, rinse gently with clean water.
In case of food poisoning, quickly take the victim to the nearest medical facility for prompt emergency treatment.
In all cases of chemical poisoning, after initial first aid, the patient should be taken to a reputable medical facility near their home for prompt treatment. Avoid delaying treatment, as this can lead to serious complications and endanger the patient's life.
At the hospital, the patient will be examined and their condition assessed. Family members should bring the type of chemical the patient ingested or inhaled so that the doctor can accurately identify the toxic substance. This will allow for the use of the correct antidote. The doctor will then proceed with treatment based on the cause of the poisoning.
When discovering someone who has been poisoned by chemicals, pay attention to information such as the name of the chemical: This is usually clearly written on the packaging, bag, or bottle. Remember it, take a picture, or bring it to the hospital. This helps doctors identify the chemical more quickly and administer specific treatment promptly.
Remember the quantity and duration of chemical exposure. Remember the initial symptoms and signs of poisoning. If chemicals splash into the eyes, do not use any eye drops. Only rinse the eyes with clean water. If the patient accidentally ingests chemicals, do not use vomiting syrup or any other emetics.
If you suspect your child has swallowed a watch battery, you should take them to the hospital for examination and removal. Leaving a battery in the body for too long can be dangerous to their health.
Chemicals play an essential role in daily life, but to ensure safety, people need to know how to store and use them properly. Commonly used chemicals include bath soaps, shampoos, hand soaps, and more.
Cleaning chemicals include: soap, fabric softener, bleach, drain cleaner, floor cleaner, dishwashing liquid, glass cleaner, etc.
Cleaning chemicals containing organic solvents include: turpentine, rosin, paints, varnishes, adhesives, dyes, pharmaceuticals, etc.
Disinfectant and deodorizing products: Hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, alcohol… Petroleum-based substances, paint thinners.
Insecticides and insecticides: Mosquito and fly sprays, rat poison, ant killer, etc. Agricultural chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, etc.
In cases where contact with pesticides, herbicides, etc., is unavoidable, personal protective equipment such as masks, shields, and gloves must be used to avoid direct contact with the chemicals. Store chemicals in a high place, out of reach of children, and label the containers. In case of poisoning, remain calm, provide first aid, and take the person to the nearest medical facility.
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