Poisons by Arsenic
Arsenic is contained in many insecticides, rodent poisons, crop sprays, and in some paints, dyes, and cosmetics. In the usual case of acute arsenic poisoning the symptoms resemble those of food poisoning. Vomiting may occur within fifteen minutes and intense diarrhea, with watery stools, within one or more hours. There develops a sense of tightness in the throat and of intense pain in the abdomen. There may be muscle cramps, inability to pass urine, convulsions, and eventual collapse.
WHAT TO DO
Until a trained professional person takes over the case, follow PROCEDURE E on this post. The most effective subsequent treatment, to be administered by a physician, is the injecting of dimercaprol ("BAL, " British anti-lewisite). This is given by injection in gradually decreasing doses over a period of several days.
