Exposure to Toxins: Care Instructions
Overview
Toxins are poisonous substances that can harm your body. If your doctor is concerned that your symptoms are caused by exposure to a toxic substance, they may ask you about your home, your work, your family, and other aspects of your environment.
You also may have blood tests or X-rays to find out if a toxin is in your body. For example, you may have been around smoke from a fire. Or you may have been around fumes from paints, solvents, or waste products from workshops or factories. But in some cases it may be hard to find out what you may have been exposed to. Sometimes it can take years before you have symptoms. For instance, a miner may have lung disease many years after working in mines. And being exposed to some toxins can make health problems you already have worse.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
When should you call for help?
A poison centre can give you immediate advice in the case of a poisoning. Call 911 if the person passes out, has trouble breathing, is hard to wake up, or is having a seizure.
- Call 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669).
- Have the poison container with you so you can give complete information to the poison centre, such as what the poison or substance is, how much was taken and when.
- Do not try to make the person vomit.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have chest pain.
Call a poison centre now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You get household chemicals in your mouth or eyes.
- You think you may have been exposed to a hazardous material.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter B226 in the search box to learn more about "Exposure to Toxins: Care Instructions".
Current as of: October 24, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.