As parents, it is our responsibility to create a safe environment for our children. Unfortunately, we often overlook the dangers that linger within our own homes.
From cleaning products to prescription drugs, many common household items can be dangerous or even fatal when ingested by children. Here are 30 household poisons that every parent should be aware of:.
1. Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are often made with harsh chemicals that can be harmful to children if ingested or inhaled. Common household cleaning products such as bleach, ammonia, and hydrochloric acid can cause severe burns in the mouth, throat, and stomach.
2. Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent pods can often look like candy or toys to young children. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, even respiratory distress.
3. Household Pesticides
Pesticides used to protect our homes from pests can be deadly if ingested. They can cause respiratory distress, seizures, and even death.
4. Prescription Medications
Prescription medications such as painkillers, sleep aids, and antidepressants can be fatal if ingested by children. Always keep medication out of reach and properly labeled.
5. Over-The-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications such as cough syrup and pain relievers can be dangerous if ingested in large amounts. Always follow dosage instructions and keep them out of reach of children.
6. Personal Care Products
Personal care products such as hair dye and nail polish remover can cause severe burns and respiratory distress if ingested by children.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol can cause respiratory distress, seizures, and even death in children if ingested. Always keep alcohol out of reach of children and monitor it closely when hosting events or parties.
8. Nicotine Products
Nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine gum can be fatal if ingested by children. Always keep these products out of reach and dispose of them properly.
9. Batteries
Batteries can cause burns and chemical poisoning if ingested by children. Always keep batteries out of reach and properly dispose of them.
10. Plants
Many common household plants such as lilies and jasmine can be poisonous if ingested by children. Always research the plants in your home and keep them out of reach of children.
11. Lead-Based Paint
Lead-based paint can cause lead poisoning if ingested or inhaled by children. Always have your home inspected for lead-based paint, especially if it was built before 1978.
12. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can be deadly if leaked in your home. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and monitor them regularly.
13. Antifreeze
Antifreeze is highly toxic and can cause severe burns, seizures, and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep antifreeze out of reach and properly disposed of.
14. Radon
Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high amounts. Always have your home tested for radon and take appropriate measures to reduce exposure if necessary.
15. Firearm Ammunition
Firearm ammunition can cause severe injuries and death if ingested by children. Always keep firearms locked and unloaded, and keep ammunition stored separately.
16. Paint Thinners
Paint thinners can cause severe burns and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep them out of reach and properly labeled.
17. Furniture polish
Furniture polish can cause severe burns and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep it out of reach and properly labeled.
18. Bathroom Cleaner
Bathroom cleaner can cause severe burns and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep it out of reach and properly labeled.
19. Bleach
Bleach can cause severe burns and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep it out of reach and properly labeled.
20. Windshield washer fluid
Windshield washer fluid can cause severe burns and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep it out of reach and properly labeled.
21. Insect Repellent
Insect repellent can cause severe burns and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep it out of reach and properly labeled.
22. Rat Poison
Rat poison can cause severe poisoning and death if ingested by children. Always keep it out of reach and properly labeled.
23. Drain Cleaner
Drain cleaner can cause severe burns and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep it out of reach and properly labeled.
24. Oven Cleaner
Oven cleaner can cause severe burns and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep it out of reach and properly labeled.
25. Glass Cleaner
Glass cleaner can cause severe burns and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep it out of reach and properly labeled.
26. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Toilet bowl cleaner can cause severe burns and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep it out of reach and properly labeled.
27. Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets
Fabric softener and dryer sheets can cause severe respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep them out of reach and stored properly.
28. Mothballs
Mothballs can cause severe poisoning and respiratory distress if ingested by children. Always keep them out of reach and stored properly.
29. Button Batteries
Button batteries can cause severe burns and poisoning if ingested by children. Always keep them out of reach and properly disposed of.
30. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can cause severe burns and poisoning if ingested by children. Always keep it out of reach and properly labeled.