Signs You May Have Inhaled Toxic Fumes

Chemicals are everywhere, in fact it is unavoidable that we WILL be exposed to them. However, too much can be dangerous, even lethal. Some of the more common causes of fume inhalation are leaky motorvehicle exhausts, gas heater leaks, and, household chemical exposure.

There are telltale signs to look for if we suspect that we have had exposure to dangerous fumes, consider some of the following:

• Neck or mouth burns, including dark soot marks in our nostrils or phlegm.
• Being Confused - Fumes can often cause nausea or disorientation.
• Singed Nasal Hair - Fumes will often burn delicate parts such as nasal hair
• Feeling a burning sensation when breathing in - The toxic fumes can burn our delicate windpipes
• Hoarse voice - A lessening of the abilities of our vocal chords could spell danger!
• Loud breathing or struggling for breath - laboured breathing often results from toxic fume exposure
• Drooling - irregular fluid emissions from the mouth could indicate an exposure to fumes.

Most fumes are invisible, the vast majority of deaths occur with fumes that the eyes simply cannot detect, therefore it is vital to know the warning signs and what to do if they occur. Always be aware of the exit points incase of emergency and where the nearest ventilation points such as windows are.
If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical assistance urgently. It is also important to look for these symptoms in our children, who are often not able to understand what these symptoms might mean.

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