Poisoning with slug pellets
Poisoning in children caused by slug pellets is in most cases life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Slug pellets belong to the insecticide class. It is a preparation which is used to kill and drive away insects.
The slug pellets are ingested by children through the mouth, either in solid form or as a concentrated solution. Only one sip can cause acute danger to the life of small children. In the context of poisoning, children complain of nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, dizziness, drowsiness or disturbances of consciousness.
Since there is a great danger of an acute disturbance of the heart and circulatory system, if there is any suspicion of poisoning, a presentation should be made immediately at the children’s clinic or, if the general condition has already deteriorated significantly, an emergency call should be made. As a first measure, it is recommended to remove the remains of the slug’s shell immediately from the child’s mouth and to rinse the mouth. Vomiting should not be induced as it is a caustic poison which can cause additional damage to the upper digestive tract. Intensive medical treatment can be performed at the clinic. Here, special attention is paid to a high fluid intake with an intensified colonic irrigation in order to eliminate the poison sufficiently.
Poisoning with blue grain
Blue grain is an artificial fertilizer for plants, which is often used in the home garden. Small children, who are curious and explore the environment, can quickly become aware of the small blue balls and take them to eat. Blue grain consists of nitrogen, potash and phosphorus and can lead to very variable symptoms of poisoning depending on the amount taken in, as well as the sensitivity and size of the child.
From mild nausea and vomiting, it can lead to bloody stools to a life-threatening deterioration of the child’s general condition, which in the worst case can be fatal. There is a particularly high risk of poisoning if the blue grain is dissolved in water and then left in a watering can or glass.