How to test for tetrahydrozoline poisoning?
Do you ever feel like your eyes are on fire? Does it burn and itch so badly that you almost can’t take it anymore? If so, don’t reach for some random eye drops without checking the label. Did you know that Tetrahydrozoline poisoning can be caused by using eye drops incorrectly or ingesting them by accident?
You might wonder what tetrahydrozoline is? In short, it’s a decongestant used in over-the-counter eyedrops such as Murine or Visine Original. Sounds almost harmless — but oh wait! It’s not like we’re talking about milk here! Some people use these kinds of eyedrops mistakenly thinking they will help cure something else entirely.
If this has happened to you, keep reading because today I’m going to introduce how to test for tetrahydrozoline poisoning and hopefully convince you not just never but NOT EVER put those things anywhere near anything except your EYES!
Symptoms
Before delving into testing procedures involved with identifying if someone has the toxic substance running through their veins, let’s go over some popular symptoms one may experience if being affected by repeated use of misplaced OTC eydrops:
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Decreased coordination level
- Low blood pressure
While these effects seem mild enough upon first glance compared to other real-life scenarios out there; nevertheless, symptoms should (or at least could!) NOT BE IGNORED regardless of perceived “mildness.” For example: Imagine waking up after a night drinking too much at a friend’s party only feeling groggy then dismissing potential signs HANGOVER even after five straight days!
Here comes our little chemistry treasure trove consisting of three simple tests which one can perform all on their own regarding possible contamination with said substance. Yes folks — DO IT YOURSELF AT HOME!
Test 1: pH Test
The first test one can do at home is a simple acidity test, also known as “pH testing” of the liquid found in the suspect bottle. For those not familiar with chemistry jargon — essentially, you will be measuring how acidic or basic something is.
Here’s what you need for this particular experiment:
- pH paper (inexpensive and sold online easily)
- A dropper
- The suspicious eyedrops bottle
Before beginning the test ensure that your hands are washed properly with antibacterial soap to avoid contamination by other substances/foreign materials. Next i.e., remove cap from suspected container.
Using a dropper add two drops to both sides of the pH paper then wait roughly ten seconds to see any color change occur; compare it using available chart specifics aiding in determining dangerous free tetrahydrozoline acid concentration levels.
You want nearly neutral results which indicates balanced chemical composition of constituents thus harmless! If readings show an acidic solution exceeding 5 on the scale such dips definitely unequivocally should NOT BE USED directly centered either INTO THE EYES or even skin lest you want to experience some serious side-effects? Seeking medical assistance is highly recommended here!
Test 2: Thin Layer Chromatography
This method might sound archaic and a little LOST IN TIME. But believe me when I say that compared to many other techniques employed up today thin layer chromatography otherwise called TLC/DNA/FINGERPRINTING etc actually still serves its intended purpose especially if all three recommended tests prove inconclusive leaving your mind wandering around unanswered questions an effect in itself driving anyone mad simply outta’ curiosity alone!
For conducting sample investigation yourself, ingredients include acetone /butanol/vitriol separator fluid/chromatograf applied onto window holding drop mixture seen through magnifying glass lens revealing color patterns marking specific chemical compositions of each substance.
LAYERS perfect in thickness will indicate if traces Tetrahydrozoline exist. While the essential lab equipment might not be found lying around your house, this method doesn’t require running to a professional at first sight either especially since accurate test results can even be obtained through PC’s use regarding Photoshop capabilities as well which may imply using proper software!
Test 3: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or GC-MS an impressive modern technique these days used within the pharmaceutical industry and science fields such as environmental monitoring for detecting minute amounts of poisonous compounds; thus its sensitivity capacity requires some technical knowledge or training substantially deviating from previous testing methods providing alternative approach concerning analyzing suspect contaminated substances.
While performing this procedure consider obtaining help by contacting medical specialists directly professing necessary skills involved in this kind of chemical analysis involving sophisticated machines that utilize searing hot temperatures etcetera!
Outcomes may take several hours before full report becomes available — consult with physician’s credentials required easily accessible online directories available personally assisting with any third-party referrals insurance courtesies applicable etcetera.
This is serious business people.
In conclusion, please do yourself a favor: never attempt any sort of tetrahydrozoline ingestion other than precise medicinal purpose —— it doesn’t work like alcohol and don’t forget, doing so can lead to severe health issues aside from uncomfortable symptoms discussed throughout above text here directing towards performing DIY tests possibly saving you potential expensive doctor visits!!