Corrosive poisoning occurs when someone swallows a substance that burns tissue, such as drain cleaner, caustic soda, oven cleaner, toilet cleaner, dishwasher detergent, strong bleach or battery acid. Petroleum products such as petrol, kerosene and lighter fluid are treated in the same way because they are dangerous to inhale into the lungs. The harm happens quickly, to the lips, mouth, throat and stomach, so the first aid priorities are to protect the airway, avoid making things worse and get urgent advice.
Signs of Corrosive Poisoning
- Pain in the mouth, throat, chest or abdomen
- Burns, white patches or redness on the lips and mouth
- Drooling, difficulty swallowing and hoarse voice
- Nausea and vomiting, sometimes with blood
- Tight chest, coughing or difficulty breathing, particularly with petroleum products
- A chemical smell on the breath, sweating, drowsiness or loss of consciousness
Signs may be minimal at first even when serious injury has occurred.
Corrosive Poisoning First Aid Steps
- Check breathing and airway, following the DRABC primary survey.
- Call your poison control centre or emergency number immediately and say what was swallowed, how much and when.
- Do not induce vomiting. What burns on the way down will burn again on the way up, and petroleum products may be inhaled into the lungs.
- Rinse the mouth with water and have the person spit it out. If they are alert and can swallow, give small sips of water or milk only if poison control advises it, because large amounts can provoke vomiting.
- Keep them upright or in a position of comfort and do not give anything else to eat or drink.
- Bring the container, and any vomit, to hospital.
If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position, do not give anything by mouth and call an ambulance.
Button Batteries and Other Special Cases
A swallowed button (coin) battery can burn through the gullet within hours, and it is a medical emergency even when the child seems well. Go straight to hospital, and follow poison centre advice, which may include giving honey to children over one year old if it is available while travelling. Never induce vomiting. Swallowed detergent pods and magnets also need urgent assessment.
Corrosive Poisoning Versus Other Poisonings
For non-burning poisons such as tablets, plants and most detergents, the approach is described in poisoning first aid for swallowed poisons. The key difference is that with corrosive poisoning you avoid anything that could cause vomiting and you focus on the airway.
Preventing Corrosive Poisoning
Keep chemicals in their original containers with child-resistant caps, store them locked and high, never pour cleaners into drink bottles, and ensure workplace chemicals are labelled according to their safety data sheets. Skin contact is covered in chemical burns first aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I give milk after swallowing a corrosive?
Only if a poison centre or doctor advises it. Rinse the mouth first and avoid large drinks.
Why is vomiting dangerous with petroleum products?
The liquid can enter the lungs and cause severe pneumonia. Do not induce vomiting.
References and Further Reading
Last updated: November 2026
Prepared by: EHS Guidelines Editorial Team
This article is general educational information and is not a substitute for accredited first aid training or professional medical care. In an emergency, call your local emergency number immediately. Emergency numbers, medicines and protocols differ between countries, so follow local guidance.
Related Guides
- Poisoning First Aid: What to Do When Someone Swallows a Poison
- Chemical Burns: First Aid for Skin Splashes and Absorbed Poisons
- Inhalation Burns: Mouth, Throat and Airway Burns After Smoke or Hot Gases
- Recovery Position: A Step by Step Guide
- Airway Management: How to Open, Clear and Protect an Airway
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