It is known that any chemicals (carcinogens, poisonous gases, pesticides) pose a serious he alth hazard. It is safe to add paints and solvents that a person periodically uses in the household to this list.
Paint materials are hazardous to he alth
Painting gates in a private house or walls, radiators, thresholds, doors in an apartment is a familiar activity and, it seems, does not require specific knowledge. However, the often underestimated danger posed by dyes ends in poisoning.
Vapors of vapors containing acetone, solvent, carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethylene enter the respiratory tract, mucous membranes, are absorbed into the blood and are quickly delivered to all organs, which cause a malfunction in each of them. Paint poisoning can also occur when old coatings are scraped off or present when they are burned, posing a risk of lead toxicity from the paint.
Types of poisoning
In medicine, paint poisoning is divided into acute and chronic.
Acute intoxication is most often observed in the summer, when a person has moreopportunities to make repairs on their own, correct by painting the details of the home interior. Few people care about safety precautions at the time of performing such work, and at this time, paint vapors penetrate the body, gradually causing a deterioration in overall well-being. Symptoms of poisoning are observed literally in the first hours after the start of work with paint materials.
Chronic paint poisoning is characteristic of professional painters and other professions who are forced to contact paintwork materials for a long time and often and inhale their toxic fumes. Unlike acute intoxication, the symptoms of chronic intoxication do not manifest themselves immediately, sometimes after several months: fatigue gradually accumulates, signs of depression are observed. Such people are advised to periodically contact medical institutions for diagnosis and proper and timely therapy.
Paint poisoning symptoms
Intoxication with paints and varnishes is determined by primary and remote symptoms.
Primary includes:
- nausea, vomiting, pain in the liver;
- dizziness and severe headache;
- weakness throughout the body, disorientation in space;
- redness, tearing, dryness, burning of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
- swelling of the nasopharynx, coughing, sneezing;
- shortness of breath and upper respiratory tract burn;
- heavy shallow breathing;
- bad taste in mouth;
- pallor of the skin;
- diarrhea;
- loss of consciousness.
Paint poisoning, the symptoms of which depend on the type of poisonous substance, may be accompanied by specific manifestations. So, intoxication with acetone and trichlorethylene causes a state similar to alcohol intoxication: confusion, general weakness, moments of euphoria. The breath of the victim in case of poisoning with acetone acquires a specific smell. With inaction on the part of others, damage to the nervous system will continue, and the victim may even die.
Consequences of paint poisoning
Long-term effects of dye poisoning include:
- disturbances in the functions of the respiratory system: the required amount of oxygen ceases to flow into the lungs, which causes the appearance of sharp headaches. Paint fumes cause chest tightness, heavy breathing, regular dry cough;
- failures in the functionality of the cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure;
- lack of appetite, constant nausea;
- apathy, chronic fatigue, insomnia, decreased mental activity;
- discomfort in the eyes, dryness, redness. A noticeable decrease in vision due to constant irritation of the mucous membranes of the eye with paint vapors.
Necessary measures in case of poisoning
If paint poisoning occurs: whatdo?
When observing intoxication symptoms, the victim should urgently be given first aid, including a number of the following activities:
- ensuring the maximum influx of fresh air: it is required to open all doors and windows for ventilation, it is better to carefully take the patient (take it out) to the street;
- remove outer clothing from the victim, about the reason for the accumulation and retention of toxic substances by the fabric;
- eyes, face, open areas of the body, rinse with water;
- arrange plenty of warm drink and induce vomiting. Give a sorbent (for example, activated carbon);
- when the victim is unconscious, it is required to lay him on his side and, in order to ensure a more stable position, bend one leg at the knee joint. You can bring the patient to life with a cotton swab dipped in ammonia, which should be brought to the nose.
How to give first aid
Poisoning with paint vapors is accompanied by a decrease in blood pressure, intermittent shallow breathing or its absence, weak heartbeat and poses a threat to the life of the victim. Therefore, it is urgent to call the emergency medical team.
What to do if there is severe paint poisoning? Treatment at home consists in placing the patient on his back, which causes the patency of the upper respiratory tract. The mouth-to-mouth method requires artificial ventilation of the lungs. If not palpablepulsation of the carotid artery is required to produce an indirect heart massage. Prompt, clear, thoughtful actions on the part of others can save the victim's life.
Treatment
Intoxication with paint vapor is treated by a toxicologist in a hospital and comes down to gastric lavage, lung cleansing and intravenous drip of glucose. Also, the victim is prescribed sedatives and drugs to maintain cardiovascular activity. In severe cases, the patient is hospitalized in the intensive care unit.
In case of chronic intoxication, it is recommended to be examined comprehensively, after which the attending physician will prescribe the necessary procedures and drugs (vitamin complexes, hepatoprotectors, immunomodulators) to neutralize the harm caused by poisonous drugs. You should seriously think about changing jobs. If this event is not possible, frequent good outdoor recreation should be provided.
Prevention measures
It is easier to prevent paint vapor poisoning than to deal with the damage caused to he alth later. The necessary preventive measures when working with paints and varnishes are:
- work in protective clothing, gloves, mask or respirator;
- immediate removal of paint drops in case of contact with the skin during operation;
- Ensuring constant air exchange in the working room. Do not eat or drink at work;
- frequent breaks in work with access toFresh air. If dizziness or the smell of acetone in the mouth occurs, painting activities should be stopped for several days.
To work with paint, you must be guided by certain knowledge and skills. A frivolous attitude to painting work, carelessness and carelessness in handling paints can lead to irreversible consequences.
