Household Poisons
If you are exposed to a poisonous product or substance, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Most Common Poisons in Adults
- Pain medications
- Sedatives, hypnotics, and antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Cardiovascular medications
- 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 medications
- Foreign objects (toys, coins, thermometers)
- Topical preparations
- Vitamins
- Antihistamines
- Pesticides
- Plants
- Antimicrobials
Most Dangerous Poisons for Children
These items are especially hazardous. Store them safely, keep them out of reach, and only keep what you need.
Medicines: Safe when used correctly, but dangerous if a child takes the wrong medicine or too much.
Carbon monoxide: An invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly. Install a carbon monoxide alarm near sleeping areas.
Button batteries: Especially 20 mm lithium coin batteries. When swallowed, they can lodge in the esophagus and cause severe burns within hours, which may be life-threatening.
Iron pills: Adult-strength iron can cause serious poisoning in children, including vomiting blood or severe diarrhea.
Cleaning products: Use as directed and never mix products. Some combinations can create poisonous gases. Store in original containers, use in well-ventilated areas, and keep out of reach.
Chemical burn products: Drain openers, toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers, and oven cleaners can cause severe burns.
Nail products: Nail glue removers and primers may cause poisoning or burns if swallowed or misused.
Hydrocarbons: Gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil, lighter fluid, and similar products 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 highly toxic. Only experts can reliably identify safe vs. poisonous mushrooms.
Alcohol: Found in beverages and products like mouthwash and cleaners. Even small amounts can cause serious harm in children.
Drain and toilet cleaners: Highly caustic and can cause severe burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach.
Topical anesthetics: May cause seizures or interfere with oxygen delivery in the body. Use caution with teething gels and similar products.
If you suspect a poisoning, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait for symptoms.