Plants

Many household and outside plants are poisonous if eaten or sometimes even touched:

• Morning Glory
• Azalea
• Oleander
• Elephant Ear
• Mistletoe
• Daffodil
• Lily of the Valley
• Jasmine

Medicines and Vitamins

• Never tell your child that a medicine or vitamin is candy.  Even an overdose of vitamins with iron may cause death. 
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
• Never give your child medicine without first looking at the label to make sure you have the correct bottle
• Children often imitate adults, therefore, do not take your own medicine in front of your child.

Alcohol

• Alcohol poisoning can lead to a coma and/or death
• There are many types of alcohol, other than the type for drinking, that is used in household products
• Antifreeze, mouthwash, cologne, and even antibacterial hand cleaners contain alcohol

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Disorientation
• Burns or stains around the mouth
• Drowsiness
• Convulsions
• Nausea/vomiting
• Slurred speech

Do not induce vomiting. 

Make sure you have the toll-free Poison Control Center phone number 1-800- 222-1222 posted where it can be easily accessed in case of an emergency.  If your child is conscious, call the Poison Control Center.  If your child is not conscious or is having difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.

There are many items in your house that can be poisonous to your child.  Some of them are obvious, such as insect spray, but other ordinary items and medicines can be just as deadly for your child.

Over a million children are poisoned every year by household products, medicine, and plants.  If you have small children in your household, make sure that all cabinet doors have safety locks and that all potentially dangerous products have child resistant caps on them.

Pesticides

• Insect sprays can be absorbed through the skin or fumes can be inhaled, affecting the nervous system and making it difficult to breathe

Household Cleaners and Fuels

• Toilet bowl cleaners, oven cleaners, etc. can cause chemical burns if ingested
• Bleach or dishwasher soap can be toxic if swallowed
• Furniture polish, gasoline, kerosene, paint thinners are among the leading causes of death in children who have been poisoned

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Sources of lead poisoning

• Chipping or flaking of deteriorating lead-based paint and the dust from the deteriorating paint is the most prevalent
• Cosmetics or medicines from other countries
• Occupational settings (plumbers, steel welders, printers, etc)
• Hobbies such as pottery making, painting, car or boat repair
• Soil contamination from auto emissions, industrial emissions, and sewage sludge

Risk Factors

• Living in or frequently visiting a house built before 1978 that is being remodeled or has chipping or flaking paint
• Living near a battery recycling plant
• Living with someone who has hobbies using lead
• Having a sibling or friend who has or has previously had lead poisoning
• Playing in soil that may have a high level of lead from car exhausts

Prevention includes watching what your child puts into her mouth and always washing the child’s hands before meals and bedtime.  Also, never use a household vacuum to clean up paint chips and keep areas where your child plays as dust-free and clean as possible.

Treatment for long term exposure is removal of the lead source.  Sometimes it may be necessary to have a special therapy performed that removes the lead from the body.

Lead poisoning is a preventable but serious disease.  At high levels, lead poisoning can cause considerable disabilities or even death.

At lower levels, it can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and brain damage.

Children six years old or younger are at the greatest risk of getting lead poisoning.  However, also at great risk are the elderly and pregnant women and their fetuses. 

Symptoms

• Aggressive behavior
• Hyperactivity
• Decreased appetite
• Decreased energy
• Headaches
• Abdominal cramping
• Very high levels may cause muscle weakness, seizures, or coma

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