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Paradichlorobenzene

Definition

This is poisoning caused by a swallowing paradichlorobenzene, a white, solid chemical with a very strong odor.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Paradichlorobenzene

Where Found

• Toilet bowl deodorizers
• Moth repellant

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Gastrointestinal
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
• Respiratory
  • Breathing problems
• Mouth
  • Burning in mouth
• Skin
  • Yellow skin (jaundice)
• Nervous system
  • Slurred speech
  • Headache
  • Weakness

Home Care

Call Poison Control Center for appropriate treatment instructions.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• 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.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach ( gastric lavage)
• Activated charcoal
• Medicines to treat symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

This type of poisoning is usually not life threatening. Little will likely happen if your child accidentally puts a moth ball in the mouth, even if it's swallowed. Mothballs have an irritating smell, which usually keeps people away from them.

More severe symptoms may occur if someone intentionally swallows the product.

Review Date: 7/17/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.