Top 5 Household Poisons to Avoid

By Jeany Miller

Homes can be veritable breeding grounds for a number of different poisons. Research indicates that common, everyday products may pose serious health threats to adults, children and pets. According to the National Capital Poison Center, five particular household products tend to have the most recurring number of poison incidents. They are as follows:

Pain medicines and/or fever reducers
Cough and cold suppressants
Cosmetics and personal care products
Cleaning substances
Plants

Analgesics and Cold Remedies

Every year, the largest number of deaths from poison is attributed to pain relievers and fever reducers. The reasons for this include intentional overdose, drug abuse and product contamination. One of the foremost ways to stop drug poisoning is by altering the general perception of pain relievers. Alternative remedies for pain should be explored so pills are not as readily ingested. Natural techniques such as exercise, proper diet and stress management can have a profound impact on the body and may eliminate general aches and pains. To further reduce drug poisoning, all medicines should be stored in a place out of reach of children. When aspirin is needed to reduce fevers, care should be taken in how it is dispensed. The same is true of oral cold remedies, which contain high levels of alcohol and can be detrimental to children when taken in large quantities. A physician, pharmacist or poison control center should be consulted before taking any over-the-counter medication.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

Although largely unknown, it is a fact that a vast number of beauty products reportedly contain dangerous toxins. In studies conducted by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, it was revealed that 61 percent of lipsticks contain lead. "Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels," stated Mark Mitchell, M.D., MPH, president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice. Common personal care products also pose dangers to children and pets. For example, mouthwash and face toner both contain alcohol. When these items are spilled, or if children drink them, they can have fatal consequences. To deter from such risks, people are encouraged to purchase organic products without chemicals and toxins. Additionally, women should actively write to their favorite cosmetics companies and insist that toxins not be included in the making of lipstick or face powders.

Household Cleaners and Plants

Some cleaning products are among the most toxic items found in the home, according to the Organic Consumers Association. Cleaners for the drain, oven and toilet bowl contain acidic compounds, which can cause severe burns on the eyes and skin. Moreover, fumes produced by bleach, chlorine and ammonia are known to irritate the nose, throat and lungs. As these ingredients are prolific in many cleaners, the damage can be far-reaching. Side effects include respiratory problems, headaches and induced asthma attacks. As with cosmetics, consumers are urged to purchase organic cleaners made with natural ingredients. Another alternative is for individuals to make their own household cleaning solutions. Simple recipes are readily available and often call for safe constituents like lemon juice, borax and baking soda. Aloe Vera, poinsettias and hydrangeas, when kept indoors, can also be poisonous. These popular household plants have repeatedly proven to be unsafe for children, dogs and persons with sensitive allergies. One of the most dangerous side effects associated with flora is coma, which can result from accidental ingestion. Reports of vomiting and skin dermatitis from plant handling have also been made. The only way to prevent plant and flower poisoning is to remove them from the home.

Sources http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_279.cfm

http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=223

http://www.blankees.com/house/plants/poisonous.htm

http://www.poison.org/prevent/house.asp