Turpentine may be referred to oil of turpentine, gum spirits, or wood turpentine. It is an oleoresin obtained from pine trees. It contains aromatic hydrocarbons including monoterpenes.
Sources of exposure:
(1) accidental, especially in children
(2) intentional (suicide, homicide)
(3) occupational
Clinical findings:
(1)
vomiting, with risk of aspiration with chemical pneumonitis
(2) coughing
(3) acute renal failure
(4) hematuria
(5) gastrointestinal bleeding
(6) central nervous system symptoms including dizziness, seizures and altered mental status
(7) loss of vision
(8) pain in mouth, throat, chest or esophagus
(9) hypotension
(10) bradycardia and/or cardiac arrhythmias
Laboratory findings:
(1) metabolic acidosis
(2) odor of violets from the urine
(3) prolonged PTT
(4) Gas chromatography can be used to measure levels in blood, urine and gastric fluid.
