Camphor is a waxy, white, or transparent solid with a powerfully aromatic odor, historically derived from the camphor laurel tree. Classified as a terpenoid, it has been used for centuries for its medicinal and aromatic properties, including use as a fumigant and in traditional remedies. While it remains a common ingredient in many household products today, it is a highly toxic substance when ingested or improperly absorbed, presenting a serious poisoning risk. The danger is particularly acute for children, for whom even a small exposure can lead to severe, life-threatening complications.
Common Sources and Toxic Doses
Camphor is present in a variety of common over-the-counter products, making accidental exposure a frequent concern. Sources include topical analgesic rubs and ointments, such as VapoRub-style products and muscle balms, which use camphor for its counterirritant and cough-suppressant effects. It is also found in solid white cubes or tablets used for religious ceremonies, moth repellents, and essential oils. Ingestion is the most common route of severe poisoning, though toxicity can also occur from inhalation of concentrated vapors or absorption through broken or irritated skin.
Camphor is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with detectable concentrations appearing in the blood within minutes of ingestion. For adults, serious toxicity can occur with an oral dose of around two grams, and the probable lethal dose is estimated at approximately four grams. The danger is magnified significantly in children, where the probable lethal oral dose is much lower, ranging between 0.5 and 1 gram, or about 70 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
Ingesting less than a teaspoon (about 5 milliliters) of a concentrated 20% camphorated oil can be a potentially lethal dose for a young child. Serious toxicity, defined as symptoms like convulsions, can occur at doses exceeding 30 mg/kg. Since many products contain an 11% concentration or higher, the accidental ingestion of even a small quantity poses an immediate medical risk.
Recognizing the Signs of Camphor Toxicity
The onset of symptoms following camphor ingestion is typically very rapid, often manifesting within 5 to 20 minutes. Initial signs of poisoning often involve the gastrointestinal system and mucous membrane irritation. Symptoms include a strong burning sensation in the mouth and throat, immediate nausea, forceful vomiting, abdominal pain, and excessive thirst.
The most severe and life-threatening effects of camphor poisoning involve the central nervous system (CNS). Neurological symptoms can progress rapidly, sometimes appearing without significant prior gastrointestinal distress. Early CNS signs include agitation, anxiety, confusion, and dizziness. These symptoms quickly escalate to muscle twitching, spasms, and hyperreflexia.
The hallmark of severe camphor toxicity is the rapid onset of seizures, often generalized tonic-clonic convulsions. These seizures can begin as soon as 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and may be the first sign of significant toxicity. Uncontrolled or prolonged seizure activity, known as status epilepticus, can lead to severe complications, including CNS depression, coma, and respiratory arrest, which is a major cause of death in fatal cases.
Immediate Actions and Medical Intervention
In any case of suspected camphor poisoning, seek immediate professional medical assistance. Call the national toll-free Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States, or call emergency services (911) without delay. Be prepared to provide the name of the product, the estimated amount ingested, the time of ingestion, and the age and weight of the affected individual.
It is imperative not to attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional or Poison Control. Furthermore, standard decontamination methods like administering activated charcoal are generally not effective for camphor, as it is rapidly absorbed and not well adsorbed by charcoal. For topical exposure, any product on the skin should be immediately removed by washing the area thoroughly with soap and water.
Medical intervention in a hospital setting is primarily supportive, focusing on managing severe neurological and respiratory complications. Vital signs, including heart rate and breathing, are continuously monitored. Seizures are typically managed with intravenous medications, such as benzodiazepines, to control the convulsions and prevent status epilepticus. Patients who remain asymptomatic after an observation period of four hours following exposure can often be safely discharged.