Medical Guide to Common Household Poisons

This guide is for medical billing and coding.

Every household has some products that contain chemicals that are detrimental to health. Those who have children in their households should make sure that household poisons are stored in a safe place. When consumed or inhaled, these poisons can result in serious health problems, brain damage, and even death.In an ordinary household, there are more than 50 different types of products that are poisonous, and parents should find out about these products and place them out of the reach of children. Use child-resistant packaging to help prevent poisonings with medicines and household chemicals.

If an accident or ingestion of chemicals has occured, please dial the US Dept. of Health and Human Services Poison Help Hotlline: 1-800-222-1222


Some of the most common poisons found around the house are:

Iron Supplements – Some people think that vitamins and supplements are not detrimental to health, but children can die from consuming five iron supplement pills. Iron supplements are known as one of the top causes of poisoning death among children who are below the age of six.

Batteries – Old batteries can emit hazardous chemicals such as cadmium, mercury, and lead acid. These chemicals are lethal when consumed.

Art and Crafts Supplies – Certain art and crafts supplies, such as paints, markers, color pencils, crayons, ink, and glue, are poisonous to children. Only allow children to use supplies that are specifically made for them.

Baby Oils – Consuming one mouthful of baby ois can lead to lung inflammation. Other products that pose the same health threat include bath oils, massage oils, and certain makeup removers.

Toothpaste – Toothpaste has a chemical called fluoride, which can cause poisoning or even death when swallowed. Supervise children when they are brushing to ensure none gets swallowed.

Thermometers and Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs – These products release mercury when they are broken, and mercury can cause damage to children’s kidneys, as well as nervous and digestive systems.

Bleach – In concentrated form, bleach can cause damage in skin tissues and eyes. Its vapors can also be harmful to people who have sensitive respiratory systems.

Paint and Solvents – Some types of paint and solvents contain perchloroethylene, a chemical that is known to cause health problems such as fatigue, headache, dizziness, kidney and liver damage, and memory loss.

Pesticides – Pesticides contain organophosphates or other similar chemicals. Organophosphates are one of the deadliest poisons that can be found in a household, and they can lead to death if they are consumed in large amounts by pets and children.

Perfumes and Colognes – Most perfumes and colognes contain alcohol, which can cause serious health problems when consumed.



Household chemicals and poisons pose the most risks to children, since they often can't read lables or determine what is and is not ingestible on their own. Some tips for keeping household poisons away from children:

  • Read the labels of products to find out the safest way to use them.
  • Keep poisonous household products in a cabinet or closet, where children cannot see or retrieve them.
  • Parents should not leave household poisons unattended, even if they have to answer the phone or do something urgent.
  • Household products must be returned to safe storage immediately after use.
  • Keep children away when hazardous products are being used.
  • Mixing certain household products can produce deadly gases or solutions. Only mix products if it is stated in the label that it is safe to do so.
  • Do not keep medicines and health supplements in the same place as food, and make sure that they are stored in their original containers.
  • Avoid consuming medicine in front of children, because they have the habit of imitating adults.
  • Never tell children that medications are candies; refer to them by their real names.
  • Some household products come with child-resistant packaging. Buy these products if possible.

Resources

For more information on common household poisons and what to do in case of a poison emergency, refer to the following websites: