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What is automotive antifreeze?Antifreeze is added to water in automotive radiators to simultaneously raise the boiling point and lower the freezing point of radiator fluid. This reduces the chances of boil-overs and ice forming in the cooling system. Most automotive antifreeze products contain hig...
What happens if you drink antifreeze? Is antifreeze poisonous?Poisonings by antifreeze can be tricky to identify early on. For several hours after someone swallows it, everything seems fine. Meanwhile however, the body is busy breaking down the EG into a number of by-products that affect the blood...
If antifreeze is dangerous to swallow, why does it taste so good?The natural taste of EG is sweet. This makes it attractive to children and pets, although some adults can be fooled by the sweet taste. Many antifreeze brands contain an added bitter substance to discouraging someone from drinking mo...
Can antifreeze hurt your skin?Spilling antifreeze onto the skin happens frequently. If it is washed off promptly, nothing more than mild irritation is likely to occur. ...
Are there safer products you can use besides ethylene glycol antifreeze?Some brands of antifreeze contain propylene glycol, which is less dangerous if swallowed than EG. If you decide to use this type of antifreeze, check your car’s owners' manual to be sure you will not void your warranty. Also...
How to safely dispose of antifreeze. Antifreeze is a hazardous material that can contaminate soil and water. Fortunately, it can be recycled...
What to do if you think someone drank antifreeze. If someone swallows antifreeze, gets antifreeze in the eyes, or if you have a question about using antifreeze safely, help from experts is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert g...
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Poisoned? Call 1-800-222-1222 or HELP ME online...
Prevention Tips Store antifreeze in its original container, locked where children can't see or reach it. Don't use antifreeze when children or pets are around. Re-close the cap tightly after use...
This Really Happened Case 1. The parent of a 3-year-old girl put antifreeze in a water bottle. The product contained ethylene glycol (EG)...