Poisoning, Family Medicine FAQ

Addressing Concerns about Fluorescent Light Tubes Hello doctor, recently while changing a fluorescent light bulb, I accidentally dropped and broke it. I immediately used a broom to sweep up the shards. However, when I mentioned this to friends and family, they said that there is ...

The impact of cockroach spray on the body? Recently, I disposed of a garbage bag containing 9 boxes of discarded cockroach bait (Combat Max Roach Bait; https://pxbox.es.pxmart.com.tw/product/18480; according to online sources, the active ingredient is Fipronil 0.05% w/w). When I ...

Nutritional Consultation On Monday night, I ate a Shaqima that was 10 days past its expiration date. I didn't notice the expiration date until I had finished it. On Tuesday morning, I felt some discomfort in my stomach, but I didn't associate it with eating expired food...

Nasal congestion + runny nose + chest pain + vomiting + palpitations? Hello, I have been experiencing severe nasal congestion since December, which often prevents me from sleeping at night. (When my nose is clear, I have thick white phlegm.) After two to three weeks of significan...

Please ask your question, and I'll do my best to assist you? Hello Dr. Lin, today when I used a foaming hand wash, I accidentally rinsed my mouth with it. I'm not sure if any of it actually entered my mouth, but I did smell the bubbles. Although I didn't swallow th...

Formaldehyde-related issues? Hello Doctor, I recently purchased synthetic wood furniture and placed it on my balcony for two to three days before bringing it indoors, where it has been near my bed for a total of four days. However, due to possibly poor air circulation indoors, I ...

Broken light tube, direct contact with skin? My mother is almost 50 years old. She just broke a fluorescent light bulb over the sink, which has probably been broken for over three years. She immediately picked it up with her bare hands, and after that, she didn't wash her ha...

Ingestion of alcohol gel? On the evening of May 12th, while eating hot pot, I discovered a small transparent gel-like substance on the cabbage, about the size of a grain of rice. It seems that the staff might have accidentally gotten some lighter fluid on it while igniting the fi...

Ingestion of borax? If you accidentally added about 20 grams of borax instead of flour while making pancakes and consumed it, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Borax (sodium borate) is toxic and can cause serious health issues. While the amount ingested m...

Questions related to disinfectant alcohol? Hello, Doctor: I currently share a water dispenser with other residents on the same floor. I used 75% alcohol, classified as a type B disinfectant, to spray for disinfection. However, I later realized that my alcohol spray nozzle produce...

Identifying the source of hematuria? My father recently experienced hematuria, and despite family urging him to seek medical attention, he has been unwilling to do so, which has made us very upset. He described his hematuria as being a deep red color and stated that it was consis...

Abdominal pain lasting for one month? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal pain for over a month. I have undergone examinations in gynecology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics, and everything came back normal. The tests I have had include a Pap smear, vaginal ultraso...

Elevated copper levels in health check-up? Hello Doctor, I had a health check two weeks ago, and my urine test showed the following results: copper (+++), protein (+-), and white blood cells (+). All other parameters like creatinine and uric acid were normal. What could be the ca...

Formaldehyde issues Can blood tests check for formaldehyde poisoning or elevated levels? Are there other health checks available for this? The office has recently been renovated, but as an employee, I don't have the authority to decide when to move in. However, I feel strang...

Breaking a fluorescent lamp releases mercury? Hello, Doctor: Last Monday, while I was throwing out the trash, I was in a hurry because there was a lot of garbage. As I was walking, a fluorescent light tube accidentally fell and broke. I didn’t look back and continued to throw awa...

Manganese heavy metal-related issues? Hello Doctor: Recently, I came across some information. Certain industries, such as glass manufacturing, dyeing of fabrics, rubber production, ceramics, and soap manufacturing, have a risk of chronic manganese poisoning due to the use of mang...

Hello, doctor. I have been in an environment with high concentrations of formaldehyde for a period of time? At the beginning of March, I thought the paint smell was coming from the adjacent room, so I didn't avoid it. However, I didn't realize that the airflow ultimatel...

Inquiry about surfactants? Hello, I was using a specialized cleaner for stickers (ingredients: organic solvents, surfactants) and a 3-second adhesive remover (ingredients: hydrocarbons, surfactants). The containers clearly state "Do not intentionally inhale or ingest this pr...

Heat in the abdomen and lower back? Hello, doctor. For the past two to three months, I have occasionally felt a warmth in my lower abdomen and sometimes in my lower back (near the coccyx), but my skin does not feel hot. Recently, I have also experienced weakness and soreness in m...

Can resting resolve suspected acute mercury poisoning? Hello, doctor: Seven days ago, I broke a mercury thermometer before going to bed (I have been taking my temperature daily due to the pandemic). I started feeling dizzy and nauseous while cleaning it, and after sleeping, I sti...