How to Spot Iron Poisoning

Iron poisoning happens most often from ingesting too much iron from supplements. Children may swallow too many iron supplements if they think the pills are candy. Iron poisoning also occurs due to diseases like Hemochromatosis, which causes the body to store iron.

Instructions

• 1

  Try to determine how much iron was ingested. Toxic effects may be found at more than 10 to 20 milligrams of elemental iron. Severe poisoning can occur at more than 40 milligrams of elemental iron. For children, this can be as little as five tablets or pills containing iron.

• 2

  Watch any individual who may have ingested too much iron. Symptoms of iron poisoning generally manifest within six hours. If you suspect iron poisoning, contact a physician or poison control center for early treatment to prevent serious damage to the body.

• 3

  Watch for stomach irritation, including vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. This is considered the first stage of iron poisoning. Blood may be present in the vomit or stool, particularly in children. Dehydration can also occur because of the vomiting and diarrhea.

• 4

  Note more serious symptoms. If the person ingest a large amount of iron, unconsciousness, convulsions, seizures and coma can develop. The body may also skip quickly into stage three toxicity, which involves cardiovascular symptoms, including rapid heartbeat and liver failure.

• 5

  Recognize that the person may improve after the initial vomiting and diarrhea. In stage two iron poisoning, which normally happens four to twelve hours after ingestion, the organs of the body absorb some of the iron. This can make it appear as though the danger has passed, but it hasn't.

• 6

  Stay vigilant after the initial period pass. Iron poisoning can result in liver failure and stomach damage up to six weeks after the initial ingestion. Seek early treatment if you suspect that iron poisoning may have occurred.