Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

1. Remove any clothing contaminated by the
   toxin.


2. If the toxin is a dry powder, use gauze or a
   piece of fabric or a small brush to brush the
   powder off the skin.


3. After the powder is completely gone and for all
   other contact toxins, flush the area of contact
   (including the eyes if the toxin is in the eyes)
   with large amounts of water for at least 20
   minutes. Hold or position the injured area such
   that the runoff water does not spread the toxin
   to other body parts or to the responder.

Follow-throughMost poisonings resulting from
contact poisons require further medical care to
provide relief from symptoms such as itching,
swelling, or PAIN. Chemical burns that form blisters
(second-degree BURNS) or cover 10 percent or
more of body surface require evaluation and treat-
ment at a hospital emergency department or
urgent care facility.

COMMON CONTACT TOXINS

ammonia bleach

drain cleaners gardening and yard products

household cleaning products industrial solvents

lye pesticides

poison ivy, oak, and sumac stinging nettles

See also ACCIDENTAL INJURIES; POISON PREVENTION;

RESPONDER SAFETY AND PERSONAL PROTECTION; SITE AND

SITUATION ASSESSMENT; SYMPTOM ASSESSMENT AND CARE

TRIAGE; WORK AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY.

ingested toxins Substances, that when swal-

lowed, can cause systemic poisoning. Ingestion

may be intentional or accidental. Accidental inges-

tion of medications is the most common form of

poisoning in children. Children may also eat or

drink other substances not intended for consump-

tion such as cleaning products, nail polish

remover, and plants. Injury may range from gas-

trointestinal upset to life-threatening cardiovascu-

Poisoning 383

POISONOUS SNAKES IN THE UNITED STATES

Type of Snake Geographic Range Characteristics of Bite
copperhead much of United States from Texas to Rhode Island PAIN, swelling, and discoloration at the site of the
and the southern coast to the Ohio River valley bite that expand progressively
systemic effects can cause significant illness
bites of some species more toxic with risk of death
treatment may require ANTIVENIN

coral snake 2 species in the US southeast, 1 species in the venom is a powerful neurotoxin
US southwest rapid systemic symptoms that may include NAUSEA,
sleepiness, excessive drooling, difficulty
BREATHING, and sometimes PARALYSIS
high risk for death without prompt treatment
antivenin need is urgent

cottonmouth, also southern United States from eastern Texas to pain, swelling, and discoloration at the site of the
called water the northeast Maryland shore and inland to bite that expand progressively
moccasin southern Missouri and western Tennessee systemic effects can cause significant illness
bites of some species more toxic with risk of death
treatment may require antivenin

rattlesnake 20 species diversely throughout United States pain, swelling, and discoloration at the site of the
and Mexico bite that expand progressively
systemic effects can cause significant illness
bites of some species more toxic with risk of death
treatment may require antivenin