Skip Navigation

Household Products & Personal Care

Poison Help Line

1-800-222-1222
Have you ever thought about potential poisons that could be in your home? Everyday items such as common household cleaning products and personal care items can cause problems if used in the wrong way or in the wrong amount.

Common Poisonous Household Products 

  • Cleaning products
  • Dishwashing products
  • Bathroom/toilet bowl cleaners
  • Laundry products
  • Garden supplies
  • Automotive products
  • Paints
  • Pool chemicals

 

Common Causes of Household Product Poisonings

Many of the calls to the Kansas Poison Center are due not only to accidental ingestion, but also from accidental inhalation of fumes or toxins splashed on the skin or eyes. Children are often attracted to the bright colors, interesting containers and fruity scent of household products. But adults have mishaps too.

  • Container transfer – Product transferred from original container to unlabeled container, incorrectly labeled container or food container
  • Improper storage – Stored within sight of a child, unlocked or in a low area
  • Exposure to fumes in a poorly ventilated area
  • Mixed products generating a toxic vapor or fume

Common Cosmetics and Personal Care Products 

  • Makeup
  • Shampoo/conditioner and other hair products
  • Perfume
  • Lotions and creams
  • Ointments
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Eye drops
  • Nail polish and remover

 

Common Causes of Cosmetic and Personal Care Product Poisonings

Cosmetic and personal care products are in everyone’s home. Items such as perfumes, lotions, powders and makeup can cause a poison problem more often than you might think. We use these products daily, so they are typically kept out on counters or stored in easy-to-access places. Another common cause of poisoning is using an item in the wrong way. Additionally, a lot of personal care items look alike and share similar packaging, so we sometimes use the wrong item altogether.

Call the 24-Hour Poison Help Line for Additional Support:

1-800-222-1222

Poison Prevention Tips

  • Check the labels to make sure you have the right product.
  • Read and follow all directions and safety warnings.
  • Wear protective gear when recommended. Many household or cleaning products can burn the skin, eyes and throat.
  • Do not mix cleaning products, and be careful about cleaning with different products back-to-back. Mixing products may produce toxic gasses.
  • Keep cleaners, household chemicals and other personal care products in their original containers. Do not reuse empty household containers.
  • Store all household products up, away from and out of sight of children. To avoid a mix up, store these away from food and beverages.

 

If someone accidentally ingests household cleaners or personal care products:

  • Do not induce vomiting.
  • Do not give syrup of ipecac or anything by mouth.
  • Call the Poison Help line immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Household Cleaners - "Power in Your Hands"

Related links

Carbon Monoxide
Household Products
Lead Poisoning
1-800-222-1222
Back to Top