THE 7 MOST DANGEROUS POTENTIAL POISONS IN THE HOME

(From the American Academy of Pediatrics**)


Children can get very sick if they come in contact with medicines, household products, pesticides, chemicals, cosmetics or plants.
 This can happen at any age and can cause serious reactions. However, most children who come in contact with these things are not poisoned, And most who are poisoned are not permanently hurt if they are treated right away.

Most poisonings occur when parents are not paying close attention. While you are busy cooking dinner, or planning tomorrow’s schedule, your child may explore what’s in the closet or under the bathroom sink.
Because children like to put things into their mouths and taste them, all dangerous items should be kept out of their reach. The best way to prevent poisonings is to lock up all dangerous items.

The 7 most dangerous potential poisons in the home for young children are:

  • Medicines (iron medicines are one of the most serious causes of poisonings in children younger than 5 years)
  • Cleaning products
  • Antifreeze
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • Pesticides
  • Furniture polish
  • Gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil

It also is important to store medicines and household products in their original containers. Many dangerous items look like food or drinks. For example, your child may mistake powdered dish soap for sugar or lemon liquid cleaner for lemonade.
Also, watch your child even more closely when you are away from home, especially at a grandparent’s home where medicines are often left within a child’s reach.

If You Have a Poison Emergency

Call THE POISON HELP LINE at 1-800-222-1222, a nationwide toll-free number that directs your call to your regional poison center. A poison expert in your area is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also call them if you have a question about a poison or about poison prevention.

**The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 57,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.