| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Shellac contains methanol, which can cause fatal damage to the kidneys, as well as blindness. It also causes a disturbance in blood pH which can lead to multiple system failure and death. |
| Alternative Names | |
| Poisonous Ingredient | methanol |
| Where Found | paint remover shellac Note: This list may not be all inclusive. |
| Symptoms | body as a whole weaknessleg crampsconvulsions severe disturbance in blood pH leading to multi-organ failure Kidneys renal failure respiratoryrapid, shallow breathing stopped breathing (see breathing difficulties - first aid ) eyes, ears, nose, and throat blurred visionblindness dilation of the pupils skin cyanosis (blue skin, lips, or fingernails) gastrointestinal nauseavomiting heart and blood vessels low blood pressure nervous system comafatigueheadachedizziness |
| Home Treatment | Seek emergency medical care immediately. DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS ( VOMITING ). Dilute by drinking water. |
| Before Calling Emergency | 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 |
| Poison Control, or a local emergency number | See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the poison container with you to the emergency room. |
| What to expect at the emergency room | Some or all of the following procedures may be performed: For swallowed poison
Immediate hemodialysis may be required for survival Placement of a tube down the nose and into the stomach (a nasogastric tube, or an NG tube) to wash out the stomach Activated charcoal administration Endoscopy -- the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach. Give IV fluids Admission to the hospital Give an antidote Treat the symptoms For inhaled poisons
A breathing tube may need to be inserted Oxygen Admission to the hospital or to the intensive care unit Bronchoscopy (inserting a camera down the throat into the airway to evaluate the extent of burns to the airway and lungs) For skin exposure
Irrigation (washing of the skin), perhaps every few hours for several days Skin debridement (surgical removal of burned skin) Admission or transfer to a hospital that specializes in burn care |
| Expectations (prognosis) | Methanol is extremely toxic. As little as 2 TABLEspoons can be fatal to a child, while 2 to 8 oz. can be fatal for adults. The ultimate outcome for the patient depends on how much was swallowed and how soon appropriate care was given. |
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