Ink Poisoning

Ink used in fountain pens are non-poisonous, so what's all this about ink poisoning? It pertains to ingestion of ink that conduces to poisoning symptoms. Ink basically comprises components like solvents, pigments, dyes and water. Often chronic skin doodlers are concerned if their doodling habit will cause ink poisoning.

Is Ink Poisoning Fatal?
Ink is a relatively safe liquid, ingestion of small amounts will not prove deleterious. Having said that, just because ink is relatively safe does not mean you go and drink ink. Consumption of large amounts of ink (more than an ounce) can cause symptoms of ink poisoning. The best part is even if you are tricked into drinking ink by wacko classmates, ink poisoning is not fatal! However, just after ink ingestion, one may experience the following symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Eye irritation
• Skin and mucous membrane staining

What about Skin Doodling?
Do people who use ink pens to write and draw on their hands and palms face any kind of danger? These chronic 'write on the hand' type of people do not face extreme danger from this habit of theirs. They become vulnerable to any kind of ink poisoning only if they have any wounds, through which the ink can seep into the bloodstream. However, chronic doodling on their skin can result in skin irritation and discoloration. The ink causes the natural oils in the skin to dry up, thereby leaving the skin without any protective lining. This dry skin then becomes excessively sensitive and extremely dry. So it's better to look for a sketch book to doodle on. Moreover, stabbing (I hope, its accidental!) by ink pens does not poison a person and is not a grave situation.

What about Printed Ink and Tattoo Ink?
Printer cartridge ink contains a slightly toxic component called p-Anisidine, which gives the ink its color. Ingestion of this ink can result in ink poisoning. Ingestion of small doses of printer ink causes the symptoms mentioned above, however, ingestion of large doses is believed to have the capacity to even cause damage to the nervous system. People working in printer ink manufacturing companies are vulnerable to this kind of ink poisoning.

As far as tattoo ink is concerned, it may at times be mildly irritative, however, it is non-toxic and is safe to be etched onto the skin. Ingestion of tattoo ink is hazardous and must be avoided. People involved in the manufacturing of this ink are the ones who are in danger of inhaling or consuming this ink by accident. Workers exposed to excess ink can eventually end up being inflicted by dermatitis and other skin problems.

Treatment
If you have consumed too much ink, seek medical aid immediately. You may not need to be admitted in a hospital to get treated. People residing in the United States can contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. This helpline number will provide the necessary instructions of dealing with this issue. Some people induce vomiting to flush out the ingested ink, however, make sure you do not do this unless the medical practitioner has instructed you to do so. The speed of treatment required will depend on the amount of ink consumed and the time lapsed since its consumption.

Ink found in pens is for the purpose of writing and not for consumption. If you are planning to play some prank on somebody, then scrap the idea of giving him writing ink to drink. We do not have the right to play with life. You never know when a silly prank can turn around and take a person's life because of ink poisoning. So use the gray matter in your head and don't indulge in foolish things.