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Definition

Rubber cement is a common household glue. Breathing in large amounts of rubber cement fumes or swallowing any amount can be extremely dangerous, especially for a small child.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous IngredientWhere Found

Various rubber cements (often used for Arts and Crafts projects). Elmer's rubber glue is one brand.

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Most symptoms occur in people who repeatedly sniff rubber cement to get "high."

  • Airways and lungs
    • Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
    • Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
  • Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
    • Burning in the nose, lips, throat, or eyes
    • Vision loss
  • Heart and blood
    • Change in the acid balance of the blood, which can lead to organ damage
    • Collapse
    • Low blood pressure
  • Intestinal tract
    • Abdominal pain
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
  • Nervous system
    • Convulsions
    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Muscle spasms
    • Nerve problems
    • Unconsciousness
    • Unstable walk
  • Skin
    • Irritation
Home Treatment

Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. Seek immediate medical help.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

  • Breathing tube
  • Bronchoscopy - a camera down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs
  • Fluids through a vein (IV)
  • Oxygen
  • Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
  • Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days
Expectations (prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Swallowing or putting small amounts of rubber cement in your mouth is usually harmless. However, intentionally eating large amounts can cause damage to your brain, liver, and kidneys. Severe damage to your brain, lungs, and kidneys can occur over time from repeatedly "sniffing" rubber cement.

References

Mirkin DB. Benzene and related aromatic hydrocarbons. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 94.

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Continue Learning about Chemistry

What is the pH of rubber cement?

The pH of rubber cement is typically around 6-7, making it slightly acidic to neutral. However, the pH may vary depending on the specific formulation and additives used in the rubber cement.


can cement poisoning get into your blood?

Yes, cement poisoning can potentially enter the bloodstream if it comes into contact with open wounds or mucus membranes. Ingesting or inhaling cement can also lead to absorption into the bloodstream. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such cases.


How do you stick rubber to cement?

With ordinary 'rubber cement' glue. Apply to both surfaces and set in place just before glue totally dries. Ive done this dozens of times and its there permanently if you do it right. Also, 3M makes an industrial grade spray adhesive that works on just about anything and I have used it plenty of time on rubber - works great.


Can you use mineral spirits or acetone to thin rubber cement?

So far I've heard that you can use acetone and from others that you can't, it will be too lumpy, best is n-heptane (or bestine rubber cement thinner). I just bought acetone and it doesn't work for me, I just get clumps of rubber in solution.


How do you get high from rubber cement?

Inhaling the fumes from rubber cement can cause a feeling of euphoria due to the chemicals it contains, such as toluene and acetone. However, this practice is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health problems, including organ damage and brain damage. It is not safe or recommended to use rubber cement to get high.

Related Questions

What is more like stone cement or rubber?

cement


Can you glue glass to plastic with rubber cement?

No, when the rubber cement cures it will separate from the glass.


Can super-glue substitute rubber cement?

No, rubber cement will stretch, super glue won't.


How do you stick rubber to polyurethane?

Use 'Slime' rubber cement.


What is the formulation of rubber cement?

Rubber cement is a type of glue. It is made from elastic polymers such as latex that are then mixed in a acetone solution.


Does rubber cement dry clear when applied to paper?

Yes, rubber cement typically dries clear when applied to paper.


What is the pH of rubber cement?

The pH of rubber cement is typically around 6-7, making it slightly acidic to neutral. However, the pH may vary depending on the specific formulation and additives used in the rubber cement.


Can rubber cement get you high?

Yes


can cement poisoning get into your blood?

Yes, cement poisoning can potentially enter the bloodstream if it comes into contact with open wounds or mucus membranes. Ingesting or inhaling cement can also lead to absorption into the bloodstream. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such cases.


What Dissolves Rubber Cement?

Finger nail polish remover. must get kind with active ingrediant "Acetone".


What is rubber cement thinner?

first of rubber cement is a type of glue you can buy almost any where and well rubber cement thinner is like glue remover it makes it so you can pull apart what you glued and its good clean up for a mess you make with it.


Can you use rubber cement to make a pinata?

No