Short Answer: If you accidentally drink paint thinner, you may suffer from serious poisoning that can be fatal.
Paint thinner is an organic solvent that contains aromatic hydrocarbons and is widely used in the manufacture of paints, coatings, and plastic products.
If you accidentally drink paint thinner, you may experience serious and life-threatening symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, burns in the mouth and throat, breathing difficulty, low blood pressure, coma, and even death.
This is because it contains chemicals such as toluene, acetone, naphtha, xylene, and others that are harmful to your health.
These chemicals can irritate your eyes, nose, and skin, damage your nervous system, liver, and kidneys, and increase your risk of cancer.
It is quite uncommon to drink paint thinner due to its strong smell and taste, but it may happen if you mistake it for water or another beverage, or if you intentionally ingest it to get high.
You can seek immediate medical help if you drink paint thinner, as this is a medical emergency.
Do not induce vomiting, as this may cause more damage to your throat and lungs.
Call the local poison control center or the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States for further instructions.
To avoid accidental drinking of paint thinner, you should store it in a safe place away from children and pets, and label it clearly.
You should also use it in a well-ventilated area with appropriate safety equipment, and dispose of it properly after use.
Read Next
Finally, remember, paint thinner is a hazardous substance that should not be ingested under any circumstances.
It can cause severe and irreversible damage to your body and even death.
