Neurological Manifestation and Methemoglobinemia in Unintentional Thinner Intoxication

Thinner contains aromatic hydrocarbons, toluene, xylene, and naphtha. It is commonly used for household paints and manufacturing chemicals.

A 7 year old child came to the Emergency department of a tertiary care hospital, Mumbai, with history of accidental ingestion of some transparent liquid in a cold drink bottle. On inquiry, he had consumed the liquid under the impression of cold drink. He had neurological manifestations like tremors and bilateral ptosis with cyanosis and methemoglobinemia. He was treated with methylene blue and recovered within 48 hours of the treatment. Children are always at the risk of such type of poisoning in the household. We emphasize that labeled and attractive containers like a cold drink bottle, water bottle, glass, and household utensils should not be used for the storage of poisonous substances. Such compounds should be kept away from the reach of children and stored in locked cabinets.