Lacquer or varnish poisoning (whether through fumes or ingestion) is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Here is the translation of the emergency guidelines:

1. Call Emergency Services

First and foremost, call your local emergency number (911 in the US, 112 in Europe, or your local equivalent). Chemical intoxication can lead to airway swelling or central nervous system damage.

2. First Aid by Type of Exposure

If Fumes Were Inhaled:

• Fresh air: Immediately move the person outside or to a balcony.

• Ease breathing: Loosen tight clothing, collars, and belts.

• Horizontal position: If the person feels dizzy, lay them down and elevate their legs. If they feel nauseous, turn their head to the side to prevent choking on vomit.

• Rinsing: Rinse the mouth and throat with water or a weak baking soda solution.

If Lacquer Was Swallowed:

• DO NOT induce vomiting: Lacquers contain aggressive solvents. If they pass back through the esophagus, they can cause chemical burns or enter the lungs (aspiration), which is life-threatening.

• Water: If the person is conscious, they can drink 1–2 glasses of plain water to dilute the substance in the stomach.

• Sorbents: Take activated charcoal (1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight) or modern sorbents (like Enterosgel), provided there is no suspicion of an esophageal burn.

If Lacquer Contacted Skin or Eyes:

• Eyes: Rinse with cool running water for 15–20 minutes, keeping the eyelids wide open.

• Skin: Remove any contaminated clothing. Wash the skin thoroughly with plenty of soap and water.

3. What Strictly NOT to Do

• Do not drink milk: There is a myth that it helps, but with chemical poisoning, the fats in milk can actually speed up the absorption of certain toxins into the bloodstream.

• Do not leave the person alone: Their condition can deteriorate suddenly (loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest).

Common Symptoms to Watch For:

• Severe dizziness or hallucinations.

• Nausea and uncontrollable vomiting.

• Burning sensation in the eyes and tearing.

• Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat.

Important: Make sure to keep the product packaging or label—doctors need to know the exact chemical composition (such as acetone, toluene, or alcohols) to provide the correct antidote and treatment.