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Poison Center Helpline 1-800-222-1222

Not sure what to do? Have an urgent question?

If your child is having symptoms or you don't know the exact substance or amount swallowed, call the Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

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My Child Ate Nail Polish

nail polish
Nail Polish is Minimally toxic .

If your child swallowed nail polish, give them a few sips of water and watch for vomiting.

What to know: Nail Polish

  • Nail polish includes lacquer, top coat, base coat, gel polish, and brands like OPI, Revlon, Essie, Sally Hansen and more.

Toxicity Level

What are toxicity levels?

My child swallowed nail polish. Is nail polish toxic?

Nail polish is minimally toxic in small amounts.

Ingredients vary by product and brand, but ingesting nail polish can cause mild irritation in the stomach or intestines.

Symptoms of Poisoning

If your child swallowed nail polish, give them a few sips of water and monitor for mouth and throat irritation, or an episode of vomiting.

If symptoms develop or your child experiences continued vomiting, call IPC at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

Eye Exposure

  • Nail polish may cause irritation if exposed to eyes.

  • If your child got nail polish in their eyes, rinse by pouring clean, lukewarm water across the affected eye(s) for 15 minutes.

For more instructions, please see our page on eye exposure information.

Have an urgent question or need more help?

Don't hesitate to call IPC at

1-800-222-1222

This call is free and confidential.

Poison Center HelplineCalls are free and confidential.

  1. In Case of Emergency

    Call 911 if someone is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing.

  2. Remain Calm

    Most poison emergencies can be resolved quickly over the phone.

  3. Call the Helpline

    Call 1-800-222-1222 if you are concerned that you or someone else has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance.