Poisoning is a concerning issue that affects many households. While we like to think of our homes as safe havens, they can sometimes pose unexpected dangers. Understanding the leading causes of poisoning in the home is crucial for keeping your family safe.
What are the main types of poisoning?
There are several main types of poisoning that typically occur in residential settings:
- Chemical poisoning – This involves substances like cleaning agents, pesticides, automotive chemicals, paint thinners, etc.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning – Exposure to this colorless, odorless gas from faulty or improperly used furnaces, stoves, generators, etc.
- Food poisoning – Consuming contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food or drink.
- Medication poisoning – Accidentally or intentionally taking too much of a prescription or over-the-counter medication.
- Alcohol poisoning – Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, leading to dangerously high blood alcohol levels.
What is the leading cause of poisoning in homes?
The leading cause of poisoning in homes is chemical poisoning from cleaning products and other hazardous household substances.
Key facts and statistics
- In the United States, over 90% of poisonings occur in the home setting.
- Over 2 million poisoning cases are reported to Poison Control Centers each year.
- More than 90% of these reported poisonings occur among children under the age of 6.
- Among children, chemicals account for over 80% of fatal poisonings and over half of all non-fatal poisonings requiring medical treatment.
- Each day, over 300 children are treated in emergency rooms for chemical poisoning.
These alarming statistics clearly show the predominant risk that chemical products in our homes pose, especially to young children.
Common household chemicals responsible for poisonings
Here are some of the most common household chemicals linked to poisoning emergencies:
- Cleaning products – This broad category includes disinfectants, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, floor care products, polishes, bleach, laundry detergent pods, etc.
- Cosmetics and personal care items – Nail polish remover, shampoos, perfumes, deodorants, hair relaxers, etc.
- Pesticides – Insect and rodent sprays and baits.
- Automotive supplies – Fuel additives, antifreeze, brake fluid, battery acid, etc.
- Paints and solvents – Oil-based paint, paint thinner, paint remover, furniture strippers, etc.
Why are cleaning products the top cause?
There are several key reasons why cleaning products make up such a large proportion of chemical poisonings:
- Cleaning products are present in every home and found in nearly every room.
- Many cleaning agents are highly concentrated and toxic.
- Containers and packaging are often not child-resistant.
- People may underestimate the risks of everyday household cleaners.
- Cleaning products are often stored under sinks and cabinets within a child’s reach.
- Their scents, shapes, and bright colors can attract curiosity from children.
Additionally, the rise in green cleaning products has not led to a decrease in poisoning cases as many naturally derived cleaners still contain irritants and toxic chemicals.
Who is most at risk of chemical poisoning in the home?
Young children
Young children, especially those under age 5, account for the vast majority of all chemical poisonings. Their curious nature leads them to explore cabinets, play with containers, or drink cleaning solutions they mistake for juice or water. Children this age also frequently put objects, including toxic ones, into their mouths.
Older adults
Seniors have an increased poisoning risk due to multiple factors. Declining physical and cognitive abilities can make it harder to read warning labels. Mixing cleaning chemicals together by accident is another issue. Additionally, aging reduces the senses of smell and taste that might otherwise detect noxious fumes or tastes.
Workers who use chemicals
People who often use chemical products on the job (housecleaners, construction workers, landscapers, etc) have prolonged exposure risks. Bringing their work clothing and materials home introduces hazards into their residential environment as well.
In what parts of the home do chemical poisonings occur most?
The most common sites of chemical poisonings in the home are:
- Kitchen – Numerous cleaning products are stored here. Dishwasher tablets and laundry pods present risks.
- Bathroom – Toilet bowl cleaners, mold removers, bath and tile cleaners.
- Laundry room – Laundry pods/packets, detergents, bleach, stain removers.
- Garage and basement – Pesticides, automotive chemicals, paint products.
- Yards and gardens – Herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers.
- Under sinks and cabinets – Many cleaning products are stored in these locations within reach of children.
Any room with accessible chemical storage poses potential dangers. Even products kept high up can fall down or be pulled down by kids.
What factors contribute to the severity of chemical poisoning outcomes?
The severity of health outcomes from chemical poisoning depends on:
- Type and toxicity of the chemical agent.
- Amount consumed or extent of exposure.
- Concentration or dilution of the product.
- Size, age, and health status of the person poisoned.
- Whether the poisoning was inhaled, ingested, or skin contact.
- Speed of medical treatment.
For example, swallowing highly-concentrated drain cleaner can cause severe internal burns, respiratory failure, and rapid death. In contrast, briefly inhaling fumes from mixing cleaning products could cause coughing, headaches, and irritation but no lasting effects if the person gets to fresh air quickly.
What are the most common symptoms of household chemical poisoning?
Here are typical signs and symptoms of poisoning from common household chemicals:
Ingestion
- Burning or pain in the mouth, throat, lips, etc.
- Excessive drooling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness, weakness, collapse
- Coughing, choking, or gasping for air
- Confusion, loss of consciousness, or coma
Inhalation
- Coughing, breathing difficulty
- Wheezing
- Burning sensation in nose, throat, airways
- Watery eyes
- Headaches, dizziness
- Nausea
Skin Contact
- Redness, inflammation, chemical burns
- Blisters
- Itching, stinging, pain
- Peeling, shedding skin
Seek immediate medical assistance if chemical poisoning is suspected. Call 911, poison control, or get to an emergency room right away. Speed is critical.
How can chemical poisonings be prevented in the home?
The best way to avoid poisoning from household chemicals is prevention. Recommended safety measures include:
- Store cleaning products, automotive chemicals, pesticides, paints, etc. locked up or out of children’s reach.
- Keep chemicals in original containers with labeling intact.
- Follow all usage directions carefully.
- Never mix cleaning products together as toxic fumes can result.
- Use child-resistant caps, safety latches, and other locks on cabinets.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors near any gas appliances.
- Dispose of old or banned chemicals properly, not in the trash.
- Open windows, use fans, or improved ventilation when handling chemicals indoors.
- Wear gloves and other protective gear when using toxic products.
Parents and caretakers of small children should be especially vigilant. Also be attentive of risks to elderly household members. Be ready to act fast and call 911 or poison control if any poisoning is suspected.
What should you do if someone is poisoned by a household chemical?
If you suspect household chemical poisoning has occurred or observe any worrying symptoms:
- Call 911 immediately if the person is unconscious, having seizures, difficulty breathing, or showing other serious warning signs.
- Call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for 24/7 free emergency poisoning treatment advice.
- Get the person to fresh air right away if toxic fumes caused the poisoning.
- Wash skin, eyes, etc. with running water if a chemical spilled or splashed on the person.
- Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with showering if needed.
- Do NOT induce vomiting or give anything by mouth unless poison control directs you to.
- Bring the chemical container to the phone, hospital, or poison control center for identification.
Acting quickly and following poison control guidance can make a life-saving difference for poisoning victims. Do not wait for symptoms to improve on their own.
Conclusion
While our homes may seem safe, they often contain an array of hazardous chemicals capable of causing severe poisoning. Cleaning products are the leading culprit, especially for injury and death among young kids. Storing these items properly, using child-resistant packaging, and handling chemicals carefully can reduce this risk substantially. However, accidents still happen. Being prepared to act fast, call for help, and get treatment can save someone’s life if poisoning does occur in the home.