Antifreeze exposure, even a splash in the mouth, demands immediate attention. This substance contains toxic chemicals that can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly. Swift action can significantly alter potential outcomes.
Immediate First Aid
If antifreeze splashes into the mouth, the first step is to spit it out. Do not swallow any of the liquid. Then, thoroughly rinse the mouth with clean water. This helps remove the chemical, minimizing absorption.
After rinsing, contact emergency services or a poison control center. The national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) is available 24 hours a day for guidance. Providing details such as the product name, estimated amount, and the individual’s condition will assist medical professionals. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional, as this can cause further injury or complications.
Recognizing Symptoms of Antifreeze Poisoning
Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning can develop gradually. The initial phase, occurring within 30 minutes to 12 hours, often resembles alcohol intoxication. This can include drunkenness, headache, fatigue, dizziness, slurred speech, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.
As the body processes the antifreeze, a second stage may emerge 12 to 36 hours after exposure, even if initial symptoms seem to improve. During this period, the body begins to experience metabolic changes, potentially leading to an irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, and changes in blood pressure. The most severe effects, including organ damage, can manifest 24 to 72 hours after ingestion, affecting the kidneys, brain, and heart.
Understanding the Danger: Why Antifreeze is Toxic
Antifreeze primarily contains ethylene glycol, a colorless, odorless, and sweet-tasting liquid that is poisonous if ingested. While ethylene glycol itself is not directly responsible for most severe toxicity, its metabolism creates dangerous byproducts. Liver enzymes, particularly alcohol dehydrogenase, convert ethylene glycol into toxic metabolites such as glycolaldehyde, glycolic acid, and oxalic acid.
Glycolic acid contributes significantly to metabolic acidosis, a condition where the body’s pH balance becomes too acidic. Oxalic acid can combine with calcium to form calcium oxalate crystals, which can deposit in various organs, causing damage. The accumulation of these crystals in the kidneys is a major concern, leading to kidney injury and potential kidney failure. This metabolic conversion explains why even a small amount of ingested antifreeze can lead to life-threatening complications.
Medical Intervention and Recovery
Professional medical intervention is essential following any antifreeze exposure, even if symptoms are mild or absent. Treatment typically begins with supportive care, including monitoring vital signs and ensuring airway protection. Blood tests are often performed to confirm poisoning and assess ethylene glycol levels, and to detect metabolic acidosis and other chemical imbalances.
The primary medical strategy involves administering antidotes that block the metabolism of ethylene glycol into its toxic byproducts. Fomepizole is a commonly used antidote that competitively inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for this conversion. Ethanol can also be used as an antidote, working by competing with ethylene glycol for the same enzyme. These antidotes prevent further toxic metabolite formation, allowing the body to excrete the unmetabolized ethylene glycol.
In severe cases, particularly with significant metabolic acidosis or kidney failure, hemodialysis may be necessary. Hemodialysis is a procedure that filters toxins, including ethylene glycol and its metabolites, directly from the blood. Early treatment with antidotes and supportive care improves the prognosis and can prevent long-term complications such as permanent kidney damage or neurological issues.