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Carbolic acid

Definition

Carbolic acid is a sweet-smelling clear liquid that is added to many different products. Carbolic acid poisoning occurs when someone touches or swallows this chemical.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Alternative Names

Phenol; Phenylic acid; Hydroxybenzene; Phenic acid; Benzenol

Poisonous Ingredient

Phenol

Where Found

  • Adhesive dyes
  • Lubricating oils
  • Perfumes
  • Textiles
  • Various antiseptics
  • Various disinfectants
  • Various germicides

Note: This list may not include all products containing carbolic acid.

Symptoms

  • Bladder and kidneys
    • Blue- or green-colored urine
    • Decreased urine output
    • No urine output
  • Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
    • Severe burns in the mouth and windpipe (esophagus)
    • Yellow eyes
  • Gastrointestinal
    • Diarrhea
    • Nausea
    • Stomach pain
    • Vomiting
  • Heart and blood
  • Lungs
    • Deep, rapid breathing
    • Wheezing
  • Nervous system
  • Skin
  • Whole body
    • Excessive thirst
    • Heavy sweating

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of 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 United States 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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

  • Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
  • Laxative
  • Medicines to relieve pain
  • Skin creams to treat burns

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Review Date: 2/17/2009
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/27/2008).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.