Common Household Poisons Every Minnesota Parent Should Know About

Medications

Medicines can be a lifesaver in the right amount for the right person. However, they can also be dangerous when children take the wrong medicine or swallow too much. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can pose risks to children. High-risk medications include:

• Adult-strength iron pills, which are particularly dangerous and can cause children to start throwing up blood or having bloody diarrhea in less than an hour
• Heart and blood pressure medications
• Diabetes medications
• Pain relievers, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• Antidepressants and other psychiatric medications
• Vitamins and supplements, especially those containing iron

Topical anesthetics deserve special mention as they can cause seizures or a condition called methemoglobinemia, which prevents blood from carrying oxygen to tissues.

Cleaning Products and Household Chemicals

Household cleaning products are some of the most common household poisons. Worse still, these products often have appealing colors, scents, or packaging that can attract children. Particularly dangerous cleaning products include:

• Drain cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners, which are caustic and cause devastating burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach
• Dishwasher powder and liquid, which are corrosive and extremely dangerous if swallowed
• Bleach and ammonia-based products, which can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and throat
• Oven cleaners and degreasers
• Furniture polish and wood cleaners
  

Note: NEVER mix cleaning products, as this can produce poisonous gases. Some combinations, such as bleach and ammonia, create deadly chlorine gas.

Hydrocarbons (Kerosene, Oils, Etc.)

Tragically, hydrocarbons are among the leading causes of poisoning injury in children. This is a broad category that covers things like:

• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Baby oil
• Lamp oil
• Motor oil
• Lighter fluid
• Paint thinner

These liquids are easy to choke on if swallowed. When hydrocarbons enter the lungs instead of the stomach, they can cause severe breathing difficulties and lung inflammation similar to pneumonia.

Personal Care Products

Many personal care items contain ingredients that can be harmful if ingested, especially by children. This can mean:

• Nail glue remover and nail primers, which can cause cyanide poisoning or chemical burns
• Mouthwash and hair tonics, which can contain as much alcohol as alcoholic beverages
• Perfumes and colognes
• Hair dyes and chemical relaxers
• Essential oils, which can be toxic even in small amounts

Button Batteries

Button batteries, also known as watch batteries, are a choking hazard as well as a potential poison. Be especially mindful of 20 mm lithium coin cells. When swallowed by children, it can lodge in place and cause burns within just two hours.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide gas is rightfully known as a silent killer. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur from faulty heating systems, blocked chimneys, or running vehicles in enclosed spaces. Installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home is essential to protecting yourself and your family.

Plants and Mushrooms

Flowers and other plants can add beauty to your home or provide practical benefits, such as sweet scents. However, many common household and garden plants are toxic if ingested. This includes:

• Poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe (seasonal plants)
• Lilies (particularly dangerous for pets)
• Oleander
• Foxglove
• Daffodils
• Tulip bulbs

Wild mushrooms growing outside can also be deadly if eaten. Remember: Only experts in mushroom identification can tell the difference between poisonous mushrooms and safe mushrooms. Never assume you know which ones are safe to eat.

Products with Alcohol

When children swallow alcohol, they can have seizures, go into a coma, or worse. This is true no matter where the alcohol comes from. For example, mouthwash, facial cleansers, and hair tonics can all contain as much alcohol as alcoholic beverages.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning comes from consuming food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins. While food poisoning can affect anyone, children have an especially high risk of severe complications. Common sources of food poisoning to watch for include:

• Undercooked meat
• Unpasteurized dairy products
• Contaminated produce
• Improperly stored leftovers

In extreme cases, food poisoning can be highly dangerous for children.

Store Items Securely

The most effective way to shield your home from poisons is to properly store all potentially dangerous substances. Install child-resistant safety locks on all cabinets or cupboards with poisonous materials. Even with locks, it’s best to store hazardous materials at least five feet high. (That means no cleaning products under the sink!)

Bonus Tip: Always assume children can reach (and climb) higher than you think they can.

Use Original Containers

Always keep household products in their original containers. For example, you should never transfer chemicals or cleaning products to food or drink containers, as this could confuse others and increase the risk of accidental ingestion.

Use Child-Resistant Packaging

Child-resistant packaging and locks are useful for keeping little hands away from danger. However, while child-resistant packaging significantly reduces poisoning risks, it isn’t foolproof. Children can still open these containers sometimes, especially with enough time and determination. All dangerous materials, such as medications, should be kept high and behind locked doors.

Dispose of Hazards Safely

Safely disposing of hazardous materials is crucial for preventing accidental poisoning. Never throw medications in regular trash where children or pets might access them. Many pharmacies and law enforcement agencies offer medication take-back programs, or you can check with your local waste management facility for hazardous material disposal events. For household chemicals, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Maintain Safety Features

No safety feature lasts forever. Be sure to:

• Keep carbon monoxide detectors in good working order.
• Have heating systems inspected regularly.
• Schedule annual inspections of heating systems, fireplaces, and other fuel-burning appliances to prevent carbon monoxide leaks.
• Regularly check safety latches and child-resistant locks to ensure they're functioning properly, as these devices can wear out over time and lose their effectiveness.

Prepare Food Properly

Prevent food poisoning by following proper food safety guidelines in your kitchen.

• Cook meat, poultry, and eggs to safe internal temperatures using a food thermometer.
• Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours of cooking or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F.
• Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces frequently, especially after handling raw meat.
• Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods.

Don’t take chances with food that could be contaminated or expired, either. Remember the rule: "When in doubt, throw it out."

Educate Children

As your children grow, teach them about the dangers of household products and explain why it's important to stay away from certain items. Just remember not to rely solely on education, as young children may not remember or understand warnings in critical moments.