One minute a young Brazilian boy was happily playing, and a moment later, tragedy struck. Arthur Emanuel Bitencourt, 7, was playing in a pile of limestone powder when things went awry. His family snapped a photo of the boy on August 3. He was giving a thumbs up with a big smile on his face. That was the last photograph taken of Arthur.
The pile of limestone powder turned out to be toxic, ultimately killing the boy when he inhaled the powder. The family rushed him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. His family warned others of the dangers of limestone on social media, hoping to prevent a similar tragedy.
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Limestone is used in construction and in agriculture.
Arthur played in the dust on his family's property in Ipiranga, Paraná, in the South Region of Brazil, the New York Post reported.
He was waist deep in the powder, but his family did not know the danger associated with limestone, per Fox News. According to Brazil's Technological Research Institute, limestone has a high carcinogenic potential, particularly in a powdered state.
Arthur inhaled the powder, which poisoned him.
The research institute explained that those handling limestone powder must be extremely careful. Fox News reported that such people should wear protective goggles and immediately take action if they ingest the powder. If the dust is inhaled, a person should seek medical attention immediately and receive "artificial respiration or oxygen" as soon as possible.
The boy's family was reportedly shocked by his death.
Arthur's uncle, Romaldo Bitencourt, paid tribute to his nephew on Facebook. In a post on August 4, the heartbroken uncle wrote in Portuguese, "Arthur, my dear nephew, we will love you forever and a day, we will meet again to receive, that hug only you knew how to give ."
He shared a second post on Tuesday thanking everyone for their prayers.
"Arthurzinho was very intelligent, even at a young age, he already had discernment in various subjects and his own opinion, proving that he would have the character of a good man. Secondly, we thank all of you who have been with our family in this difficult time that we never imagined we would go through, rest assured, GOD has comforted us through the hugs, condolences, crowns and flowers received from each of you," the uncle wrote. "Hundreds of relatives and friends said goodbye to the loved one and thousands of people protested through Social Networks, which is humanly impossible, to thank individually."
According to multiple news outlets, Arthur's family had no idea of the dangers of limestone poisoning.
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Doctors treat hundreds of children in the United States daily affected by poisoning.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 374 children, ages 0 to 19 years old, seek treatment for poisoning in emergency departments daily. Among them, an average of two die each day. Although poisoning can be devastating, the CDC also reminds parents that poisoning can be prevented.
First, parents are encouraged to keep medication and toxic products locked up and away from children. Second, parents should know the nationwide Poison Control number, 1-800-222- 1222, and should program it into their phones. The organization is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Parents should always call 911 if their children collapse or stop breathing.
"Read the label. Follow label directions and read all warnings when giving medicines to children. Don't keep it if you don't need it," the CDC advises. "Safely dispose of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs. Be aware that if you dispose of unused medicines, they can be mixed with coffee grounds or kitty litter to make them less appealing to children."
