While you can physically drink hairspray, it is strongly discouraged and potentially harmful. It's not designed for consumption and contains chemicals that can cause adverse effects.
Why You Shouldn't Drink Hairspray
Drinking hairspray presents several potential risks:
- Toxicity: Hairspray contains a variety of chemicals, including polymers, propellants, and solvents, that are not meant for internal consumption.
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Ingesting hairspray can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
- Respiratory Issues: If aspirated (inhaled into the lungs) during ingestion, hairspray can cause chemical pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs).
- Other Symptoms: Dizziness, headache, and irritation of the mouth and throat are also possible.
What to Do if Hairspray is Ingested
If someone has ingested hairspray, here's what you should do:
- Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional.
- Rinse the mouth with water.
- Contact Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States. They can provide guidance on appropriate steps to take.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms develop or if advised by Poison Control.
Severity of Hairspray Poisoning
As the reference suggests, hairspray is generally considered to have low toxicity, and most cases of hairspray poisoning are not severe. However, the severity can depend on:
- The amount ingested.
- The individual's health and sensitivity to the chemicals.
- How quickly medical attention is sought.
Prompt medical advice improves the chance of a full recovery.
In summary, while it might not be immediately fatal, drinking hairspray is definitely not recommended due to the potential for unpleasant and even harmful side effects. Always keep hairspray away from children and use it as intended.
