Sodium carbonate poisoning

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Sal soda; Soda ash; Disodium salt; Caronic acid; Washing soda

DO NOT make the person throw up.

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 ONE GLASS of water or milk. DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is vomiting or has a decreased level of alertness.

If the person breathed in the chemical, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

If readily available, determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For swallowed poison

• Give fluids
• Give an antidote
• Treat the symptoms
• X-rays of chest and abdomen
• Endoscopy

For inhaled poison

• Treat the symptoms
• Give supplemental oxygen

How well a patient does depends on how fast the poison is diluted and neutralized. 

Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage. Damage may continue to occur to the esophagus and stomach for several days after the poison was swallowed. Further complications or death may occur on a delayed basis.

Review Date: 03/02/2006
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-KetteringCancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.