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Show The inhalation of aerosol waterproofing products has injured in-jured an increasing number of Utahns recently, reports the Intermountain Regional Poison Control Center. THE CENTER receives two or three calls a week about exposure ex-posure to sprays containing 1, 1, 1 trichloroethane, according to Diane Wallace, poison information in-formation pharmacist at the University of Utah Medical Center. A Provo couple required re-quired emergency treatment at a hospital several days ago after af-ter being partially overcome by a waterproofing product containing the chemical. "The use of these products to protect shoes and boots is particularly dangerous for people with heart or lung disease, dis-ease, of those with a respiratory respira-tory illness," says Ms. Wallace. Wal-lace. "Although directions may not caution against it, never use waterproofing sprays indoors, even if you think a room has good ventilation." ventila-tion." INHALATION symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, light-headedness, fainting, nausea, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat. heart-beat. People exposed to a mist containing trichloroethane may experience shortness of breath, pain on inhalation and a weakness lasting up to 24 hours. Eye exposure can result in irritation and mild corneal damage. "Always use aerosol waterproofing water-proofing products outdoors, using any wind to blow the mist away from you. Tie a scarf or bandana over your nose for additional protection for the lungs and respiratory tract," suggests Ms. Wallace. |