Super glue, a common household cyanoacrylate adhesive, presents hazards that are primarily physical rather than chemical. It is designed to bond surfaces almost instantaneously. While the liquid form has low systemic toxicity, its rapid physical-bonding property requires immediate attention because it cures rapidly when it meets the moist environment of the human body.
How Super Glue Reacts Inside the Body
The primary component of super glue, cyanoacrylate, undergoes a chemical reaction known as anionic polymerization when exposed to water. The saliva and mucous membranes inside the mouth and throat provide the necessary moisture to trigger this process. This reaction is extremely fast, causing the liquid monomer to convert almost instantly into a solid, inert polymer, which is essentially a type of plastic.
This immediate solidification means the liquid adhesive rarely progresses past the upper digestive tract before transforming into a hard mass. Once polymerized into its solid form, the cyanoacrylate’s chemical toxicity is significantly reduced. The cured plastic substance is not readily absorbed into the bloodstream.
The solid, inert piece of glue then passes into the stomach, where the highly acidic environment may contribute to its gradual breakdown. The body’s primary mechanism is to treat the cured glue as an undigested foreign object. The substance is typically passed through the gastrointestinal tract and expelled within a few days, similar to how other small, indigestible materials are processed.
Immediate Physical Hazards in the Upper Tract
The most immediate dangers occur within the oral cavity and pharynx due to the quick polymerization reaction. The liquid adhesive bonds rapidly to soft tissues, posing a serious risk of gluing the lips, tongue, or teeth together. This can cause significant distress and local injury if forceful attempts are made to separate the bonded surfaces.
A more serious, though less common, hazard is the potential for airway obstruction. If a larger volume of the liquid glue is ingested, it can solidify into a mass that lodges in the throat or, potentially, the trachea. This rapidly formed plug presents a mechanical choking risk that requires immediate emergency intervention.
The polymerization process is an exothermic reaction, generating heat as it cures. If a large drop of cyanoacrylate is exposed to moisture, the heat released can cause localized irritation or a superficial thermal injury to the delicate lining of the mouth, throat, or esophagus. The solidified glue mass, being a foreign body, can also cause irritation and inflammation to the mucous membranes as it attempts to pass down the throat.
Necessary Actions and Emergency Care
The first step after ingesting super glue is to contact a regional Poison Control Center immediately for expert guidance. A medical professional can assess the risk based on the amount ingested and the person’s symptoms. It is important to rinse the mouth thoroughly with water to remove any uncured liquid adhesive, and then drink a small amount of water or milk to help flush the upper tract.
Avoid attempting to forcibly separate any bonded skin or tissue, such as lips or fingers, as this can cause tearing and tissue damage. Do not induce vomiting, as this action could potentially cause the solidifying glue to lodge in the airway upon its return. The best course is to allow the saliva and moisture to naturally work at softening the bond.
For glue that has bonded within the mouth, agents such as vegetable oil or peanut butter can be applied to the affected area to help soften the cured mass. These fatty substances can help break down the adhesive bond. Even if symptoms appear mild, medical evaluation is recommended to ensure no material is obstructing the esophagus or causing internal irritation.