Household Poisons:
Knowing the Hidden Dangers

Household poisons, unfortunately, are everywhere around our homes.

We all have detergents, cleaners, plants, and everyday products that can be potentially hazardous to our families. And, most likely, we always will.

Once you know what can be harmful and what to do with those items, you can feel secure that you have kept and will continue to keep your child safe.

1. Chemicals

• Again, throughout your home, you probably have household cleaners, dish washing detergent, bug sprays, paint thinners, etc.





• You can still use these products, but you need to keep them out of your child’s reach.

  Some cleaners and chemicals are more dangerous than others, but it is best to keep them all out of reach.








• Store all your chemicals up high and in a locked cabinet.

  Many toddlers are natural climbers and you may find your child up on the counter in the blink of an eye.




There may be some things you haven’t thought of when it comes to chemical poisoning including the dangers of cosmetics and makeup.

And, click here for what to do if your child has ingested a harmful chemical.

2. Household Plants

• When considering household poisons, you have to look to your indoor plants.

  Many common household plants are toxic to young children.

  
  

  If you have plants throughout your home, you will want to know which of your plants are considered poisonous indoor plants.

  
  

3. Carbon Monoxide (co2) Poisoning

• Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, extremely harmful gas that can cause severe, long term effects especially in children.
• This toxic gas is extremely dangerous to you and your family if gone undetected.

  Click here for more information on co2 poisoning symptoms and the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning on children.






• Every home needs to have carbon monoxide detectors to ensure your family’s safety.

4. Lead Poisoning

• Lead poisoning in children is extremely serious and children under 6 years of age are most at risk.




• Some of the ways your child could be exposed to lead poisoning is through paint chips from paint from an older home. If you live in an older home, you need to have your house checked for lead.




• Also, many children’s toys are recalled because of the use of excessive lead in a portion of the toy or jewelry or the use of lead based paint.




• There were 35 recent toy recalls listed with U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) in the last six months.

  Click here for a list of lead based related recalls.

• The lead poisoning effects on your children can be behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and even death.

• There are other ways to be exposed to lead poisoning. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says the most common ways to get lead poisoning are through lead based paint, lead contaminated air, lead contaminated soil around residences, and contaminated water. For more information, visit the EPA website, www.epa.gov/lead/.

• A blood test determines the levels of lead in your child’s system. Call your doctor to have your child tested if you feel your child has been exposed to lead.

It is essential that you do not expose your baby or children to any of these household poisons. Removing them from your baby’s world will really give you peace of mind.

Related Articles

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Chemical Poisoning

Chemical Safety

Poisonous House Plants

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