Concrete is a composite construction material composed of aggregate (like sand and gravel), water, and cement. Ingesting this substance is highly dangerous, causing immediate and severe chemical burns and physical damage throughout the digestive tract. The ingestion of concrete is a medical emergency requiring urgent intervention. The severity of the outcome is directly related to the amount consumed and whether the cement component was wet or dry.
Immediate Chemical Injury from Cement
The most immediate danger comes from the caustic nature of the cement powder itself. Portland cement, the most common type, contains calcium oxide. When this dry component mixes with moisture in the mouth, throat, and stomach, a chemical reaction occurs, generating calcium hydroxide.
This hydration reaction creates a highly alkaline mixture, reaching a pH level of 12 to 13. This extreme alkalinity is highly corrosive and causes liquefaction necrosis upon contact with soft biological tissues. The mucosal linings of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach suffer immediate and deep chemical burns. Alkali burns continue to penetrate deeper into the tissue, potentially leading to full-thickness damage.
The burn severity manifests as immediate pain, drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. Within the esophagus, this caustic injury can cause extensive scarring and stricture formation, severely narrowing the food pipe over time. In the stomach, deep ulcerations and perforation of the gastric wall are possible, leading to a life-threatening infection of the abdominal cavity.
Physical Damage and Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Beyond the chemical injury, the physical composition of concrete poses significant mechanical threats. Concrete contains sharp, rough aggregate. As this gritty material moves through the digestive tract, it causes severe abrasion of the mucosal surfaces. These physical tears increase the risk of infection and internal bleeding.
The material can solidify, leading to a gastrointestinal obstruction. Because cement is designed to harden when mixed with water, a large mass of ingested concrete can begin to set in the stomach or intestines. This solid mass creates an impaction, preventing the normal passage of food. Such an obstruction causes intense abdominal pain and vomiting, and can lead to tissue death in the bowel, often necessitating emergency surgical removal.
Systemic Toxicity and Long-Term Health Risks
Ingesting concrete introduces toxic elements that can be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to systemic poisoning. Cement and the aggregate material often contain heavy metals, including hexavalent chromium, lead, and nickel.
Once absorbed, these heavy metals interfere with normal biological processes, leading to organ damage. Chronic exposure to heavy metals is known to affect the liver and kidneys, the body’s primary detoxification organs. Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen and can cause kidney and liver damage. If the concrete was ingested in a dry, powdered form, there is also a risk of aspirating fine dust particles into the lungs. This inhalation introduces crystalline silica, which can lead to severe pulmonary inflammation and a chronic lung disease called silicosis.
Emergency Medical Intervention
Immediate action is paramount following the ingestion of concrete. Contact emergency services and a poison control center immediately for guidance. Do not induce vomiting, as this re-exposes the esophagus and pharynx to the corrosive substance, worsening the caustic burns.
First aid involves rinsing the mouth thoroughly and attempting to dilute the ingested substance. If the patient is conscious and able to swallow, small amounts of water or milk may be given. At the hospital, medical intervention focuses on assessing the internal injury. This assessment typically involves an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which uses a flexible tube with a camera to visualize the extent of the chemical burns. Supportive care, including intravenous fluids and pain management, is provided. If the material has hardened, surgical intervention may be required to remove the solid mass and repair damaged sections of the digestive tract.