Household Hazards

Children see adults handling common household hazards all the time. While it is often cute to see our little ones play “house,” it’s important to make sure they aren’t in contact with harmful products. This is especially true with common household products that may look or smell enticing but are actually dangerous poisons. 

Hazard: Toiletries and Drugs
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the leading cause of children’s deaths from poisoning is vitamin pills with iron. Children can die from swallowing as few as five of these pills. Common toiletry items such as perfume, mouthwash, and antibacterial gel are equally dangerous. All contain alcohol and, if ingested by a child, can lead to seizures, coma, or death. 

Other potential poisons include:

• Mouthwash
• Decongestants
• Nail polish and nail polish remover
• Perfume
• Hairspray
• Diet pill stimulants
• Prescription medications

Secure Solution – Be sure to store all medications and toiletries in their original containers and check that child resistant caps are put on properly immediately after use.  Keep all of these items in locked cabinets. Storing these items in high cabinets is not enough as children can climb up to reach them. Remember that caps on medication and toiletries are only child resistant – not child proof!

Hazard: Cleaners and Insecticides
While many people recognize that ingesting household cleaning products can be toxic, they don’t necessarily recognize that poisons can be delivered in many ways. For example, the chemicals in bug sprays and insecticides can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled and affect the nervous system, making it difficult to breathe. Toxic gases can be created when common items are mixed. When bleach is mixed with ammonia a dangerous vapor is formed. One of the leading causes of poisoning deaths in children are hydrocarbons which are found in furniture polish, paint thinner, gasoline, and kerosene.  Common cleaners such as toilet bowl cleaner and oven cleaner can cause serious chemical burns as well.

Secure Solution – Cleaning products should never be stored in the house. Instead, keep them in a locked cabinet in the garage where it is more difficult for children to access.  Be sure all cleaning items are kept in their original containers so that in the event of a poisoning all pertinent information is available. If these items are stored in other containers, such as empty bottles or jars, children might not recognize that they are toxic products.

Know your plants – Keep in mind that many plants around the home can be poisonous if ingested. These include:

• Irises
• Lilly-of-the-Valley
• Oleander
• Christmas Rose

It is advised that you remove these plants from your home.

Always be prepared.  No matter how careful you are, accidental poisoning can still occur and it is important to be prepared. If your child seems sleepy, is unable to focus, has burn marks around his mouth, or you detect a strange smell on his breath, call the National Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. When you call, have the toxic item with you to describe the product and its contents.