The calcium in a glass of milk binds to fluoride, preventing absorption and this is a useful first aid measure. Cigarettes Cigarettes are frequently ingested by children, but the majority suffer only mild effects. The clinical effects of nicotine toxicity are usually rapid in onset and develop within 15-90 minutes. Common effects are nausea, vomiting, salivation and abdominal pain. In more severe cases there may be respiratory depression, hypotension, arrhythmias and convulsions.
Hydrocarbons defat mucous membranes and cause buccal and gastrointestinal irritation.
Aspiration, however, is the main risk, and may occur during ingestion, or if vomiting occurs subsequently. Any patient with respiratory symptoms or who has vomited following ingestion of a petroleum distillate should be referred for assessment of respiratory complications. Carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide is the most common cause of accidental poisoning in the UK, usually as a result of fires or faulty gas appliances. The primary effects are due to hypoxia. In mild to moderate exposures clinical effects are non-specific, including headache, weakness and fatigue, often with nausea and vomiting and are commonly mistaken for food poisoning or flu.