What happens if I accidentally got antifreeze in my mouth?

It is dangerous to swallow antifreeze, even small amounts. For several hours after swallowing, everything seems fine. But don’t be fooled – the body is busy breaking down the antifreeze (ethylene glycol) into a number of substances that affect blood chemistry, the nervous system, and kidneys.

Does antifreeze burn mouth?

Antifreeze contains chemicals that are toxic if a person ingests them. Antifreeze poisoning can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Can the human body produce ethylene glycol?

Yes, our bodies produce ethylene oxide when metabolizing ethylene, which is produced naturally in the body. ​The percentage of ethylene converted to ethylene oxide in the body is unknown, but expected to be low.

Is orange antifreeze toxic?

Most antifreeze is made from ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze tastes sweet but is highly toxic to both humans and animals.

Is modern antifreeze poisonous?

Antifreeze facts Conventional antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is very poisonous to people and animals. Many animals like the sweet taste of antifreeze and will readily consume it when given the opportunity.

What should you do if you spill antifreeze on your car?

If you spill antifreeze while working on your car, clean up the spill and spray down the area with water. This can prevent pets from drinking the fluid. Always put the cap back on antifreeze containers. Keep the chemical out of reach of children and pets. As a precaution, don’t drink any beverage that you don’t recognize.

What should you do if you have accidental antifreeze poisoning?

Keeping antifreeze in its original container can help prevent accidental antifreeze poisoning. Antifreeze poisoning is a medical emergency. Anyone who suspects that they or someone else has ingested antifreeze should call 911 or go straight to the emergency room. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help.

What happens if you drink antifreeze and don’t treat it?

If you don’t get immediate help, antifreeze poisoning can decrease kidney function, causing an inability to urinate or low urine output. In the case of poor kidney function, your treatment may also consist of dialysis.

How do doctors remove antifreeze from the body?

To remove unmetabolized antifreeze and toxic metabolites from the bloodstream, a doctor may also recommend hemodialysis. During hemodialysis, a healthcare professional inserts a tube with a needle into a person’s arm.