Household Poisons
If you are exposed to any poisonous product or substance, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Most Common Poisons in Adults
- Pain medicine
- Sedatives, hypnotics, and antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Cardiovascular drugs
- Household cleaning products
- Alcohols
- Pesticides
- Bites and stings (ticks, spiders, bees, snakes)
- Anticonvulsants
- Cosmetics and personal care products
Most Common Poisons in Children
- Cosmetics and personal care products
- Cleaning substances and laundry products
- Pain medicine
- Foreign objects such as toys, coins, and thermometers
- Topical preparations
- Vitamins
- Antihistamines
- Pesticides
- Plants
- Antimicrobials
Most Dangerous Poisons for Children
These are especially hazardous household items. Buy small quantities and discard unneeded extras. Make sure they are always out of a child’s reach and sight.
- Medicines: Safe when used correctly, but dangerous if the wrong medicine is taken or too much is swallowed.
- Carbon monoxide: This invisible gas is extremely dangerous. Make sure there is a carbon monoxide alarm in every sleeping area of your home.
- Button batteries: Especially 20 mm lithium coin cells. If swallowed, they can lodge in the esophagus and cause severe burns within 2 hours. Injuries can be life-threatening.
- Iron pills: Adult-strength iron pills are very dangerous. Children may develop severe vomiting or bloody diarrhea within an hour.
- Cleaning product safety: Use products as directed. Some require dilution. Always keep them in original containers.
- Do not mix cleaning products. Mixing can create poisonous gases.
- Use in well-ventilated areas. Products like bleach or ammonia can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs.
- Store chemicals safely. Keep products closed and stored up high, out of sight, or locked.
- Caustic cleaners: Drain openers, toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers, and oven cleaners can cause severe burns.
- Nail products: Some nail glue removers can cause cyanide poisoning if swallowed. Nail primers can cause burns to the mouth and skin.
- Hydrocarbons: Includes gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil, lighter fluid, and paint thinner. These can enter the lungs if swallowed and cause serious breathing problems.
- Pesticides: Can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Some affect the nervous system and breathing.
- Windshield washer fluid and antifreeze: Even small amounts can cause blindness, kidney failure, or death.
- Wild mushrooms: Some mushrooms are deadly. Only experts can safely identify edible types.
- Alcohol: Can cause seizures, coma, or death in children. Found in products like mouthwash and hair tonics.
- Drain and toilet cleaners: Cause severe burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach.
- Topical anesthetics: Can cause seizures or affect oxygen delivery in the blood. Includes teething gels and anti-itch creams.