Wax

• Alternative names
• Definition
• Poisonous Ingredient
• Where Found
• Symptoms

• Home Treatment
• Before Calling Emergency
• Poison Control, or a local emergency number
• What to expect at the emergency room
• Expectations (prognosis)

Alternative names   

Definition    Return to top

Ingestion of high amounts of wax or crayons.

Poisonous Ingredient    Return to top

In general, wax is not poisonous. If a child eats a small amount of crayon, the wax will pass through the child's system without causing a problem. However, if a child eats a large amount of crayon or wax, the intestines could potentially become blocked.

Where Found    Return to top

• Crayons
• Candles
• Canning wax

Symptoms    Return to top

• Gastrointestinal
  • May cause intestinal obstruction if consumed in large quantities

Home Treatment    Return to top

Call Poison Control.

Before Calling Emergency    Return to top

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number    Return to top

A poison control center will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control Centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring a sample with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room    Return to top

If it is necessary to go to the emergency room, symptoms will be treated.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

Recovery is very likely.