What will happen when a person drink formalin without knowing it and what treatment should be given?

Drinking formalin, which is a solution of formaldehyde in water, can cause severe toxicity, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening complications like respiratory distress and organ failure. Immediate medical attention is crucial; treatment typically involves supportive care, including intravenous fluids, monitoring vital signs, and potentially using specific antidotes or therapies to mitigate the effects. Activated charcoal may be administered if the ingestion was recent and the airway is protected, but emesis (vomiting) should generally be avoided due to the risk of aspiration.