This poisoning is caused by an overdose of calcium hydroxide. It is found in many other industrial cleaning products, as well as in some industrial by-products, such as limewater, slaked lime, or many different types of cement.

Expectations (prognosis)

Survival past 48 hours usually indicates that recovery will occur. If chemical burn occurred in the eye, permanent blindness can result. The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on how rapidly the alkali was diluted and neutralized. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, eyes, lungs, esophagus, nose, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage. Damage continues to occur to the esophagus and stomach for several weeks after the alkali was swallowed, and death may occur as long as a month later.