Vinegar

1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Rinse any exposed skin with lukewarm water and soap.
4. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

1. Start rinsing eye(s) with lukewarm water.
2. Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further recommendations.

Do not mix vinegar with bleach. Mixing bleach with an acid will result in the release of chlorine gas.

Quick Facts about vinegar:

What do you do if your child drinks vinegar? We have the answers for you!

Vinegar is found in many different condiments to add flavor and zest to foods. With information found on the internet, vinegar has become a favorite of the Do-It-Yourself crowd to make natural household cleaners, remove water stains on wood furniture, and clean fruits and vegetables before eating, just to name a few. Vinegar is also claimed to have health benefits such as treating dandruff, lowering blood sugar, and helping people lose weight (note: this has NOT been proven). Because of this, the poison center has seen a rise in the calls about vinegar involving both adults and children. Vinegar is not intended to be ingested in significant amounts and can cause stomach distress resulting in nausea and vomiting. If ingested by someone who has stomach ulcers, vinegar can worsen the symptoms instead of helping. Applying vinegar soaked compresses to the skin for prolonged periods of time may irritate the skin and even cause a chemical burn if exposed to delicate skin.

SPECIAL NOTE: Do not mix vinegar with bleach. Mixing bleach with an acid will result in the release of chlorine gas.

If you find your child drinking vinegar, do not panic. Take the vinegar away from them, wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water to drink. If problems start or you have questions,call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions.