Household Products

The most common poisons are products you use in your house every day. A poison is any substance that can cause sickness or death if it gets into or on your body.

You and your family can be poisoned by household products if you:

• Eat or drink them
• Breathe them in
• Get them in your eyes
• Get them on your skin

Cleaning products are one of the most common forms of poisoning for children under the age of 6.

Dangerous household products include:

• Antifreeze
• Bleach
• Detergents
• Drain cleaners
• Furniture polish
• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Lamp oil
• Oven cleaners
• Pesticides
• Toilet bowl cleaners
• Windshield solution

Personal care products can also be dangerous.

Follow these tips to keep your family safe:

• Always keep products in their original containers. Store them out of the reach and sight of children.
• Follow the instructions on labels. Many products can be dangerous if you use too much.
• After use, close containers tightly, and put them in a locked cabinet.
• Don’t use products that leave powder or pellets in areas where children or pets can get into them.
• Keep children out of the area when insecticides and other garden chemicals are being sprayed.

If you suspect someone has been poisoned by a household product, call The University of Kansas Hospital Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.