Is it always safe to induce vomiting after swallowing pesticides?

Is it always safe to induce vomiting after swallowing pesticides?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Sometimes
• D. Only if instructed

Answer: (B)

Inducing vomiting after swallowing pesticides is not safe. Many pesticides are corrosive or contain solvents, so bringing the substance back up can burn the mouth, throat, and esophagus or cause more tissue injury. Vomiting also increases the risk that the chemical will be aspirated into the lungs, potentially causing chemical pneumonia or other serious lung damage. Because the safest course depends on the specific pesticide and the person’s condition, you should not induce vomiting unless a poison-control professional or medical provider explicitly instructs you to do so. Seek immediate guidance from Poison Help or emergency services (call 1-800-222-1222) and follow their instructions.

Inducing vomiting after swallowing pesticides is not safe. Many pesticides are corrosive or contain solvents, so bringing the substance back up can burn the mouth, throat, and esophagus or cause more tissue injury. Vomiting also increases the risk that the chemical will be aspirated into the lungs, potentially causing chemical pneumonia or other serious lung damage. Because the safest course depends on the specific pesticide and the person’s condition, you should not induce vomiting unless a poison-control professional or medical provider explicitly instructs you to do so. Seek immediate guidance from Poison Help or emergency services (call 1-800-222-1222) and follow their instructions.