National Poison Prevention Week: Hidden Household Dangers to Protect Your Children

At iCare ER & Urgent Care, we’re committed to educating families on common household poisons and how to prevent these emergencies.

Common Household Poisons That Can Harm Children

Even the most common items in your home can pose a serious risk to children if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Here are 5 dangerous household items to keep out of reach:

1. Tide Pods & Laundry Detergent Packs

Laundry pods may seem convenient for adults, but their bright colors and soft texture make them look like candy to small children. Ingesting these pods can cause:
✅ Severe stomach pain and vomiting
✅ Breathing difficulties
✅ Burns to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract

Prevention Tip: Always store detergent pods in a high, locked cabinet. Never leave them in easily accessible areas like laundry baskets or shelves.

2. Cigarettes, Dip, Vape Juice & Nicotine Products

Nicotine exposure — even in small amounts — can be extremely dangerous for children. Items like:

• Cigarettes
• Nicotine patches
• Dip (smokeless tobacco)
• Vape juice

… are all highly toxic and can cause:
✅ Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness
✅ Increased heart rate
✅ Seizures and breathing difficulties in severe cases

Prevention Tip: Store these products in childproof containers and never leave them unattended.

3. Visine and Other Eye Drops

Eye drops, especially brands like Visine, may seem harmless, but they can cause severe side effects if swallowed. These products often contain tetrahydrozoline, a chemical that can:
✅ Lower blood pressure
✅ Cause extreme drowsiness
✅ Lead to breathing difficulties and coma in severe cases

Prevention Tip: Keep all medications, including eye drops, in secured cabinets out of children’s reach.

4. Beta Blockers & Heart Medications

Medications such as beta blockers, used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, are especially dangerous to children. Even one pill can cause:
✅ Dangerous drops in heart rate
✅ Dizziness, fainting, or weakness
✅ Life-threatening cardiac issues

Prevention Tip: Store all prescription and over-the-counter medications in a locked container or medicine cabinet.

5. Cleaning Products & Disinfectants

Many cleaning supplies contain strong chemicals that can cause severe burns, vomiting, and respiratory distress if ingested. Common culprits include:
✅ Bleach and ammonia
✅ Toilet bowl cleaners
✅ Disinfectant sprays and wipes

Prevention Tip: Always store cleaning products in their original containers with childproof locks and never mix cleaning chemicals, which can create toxic fumes.

Steps to Take If Your Child Is Exposed to a Poisonous Item

If you suspect your child has ingested or come into contact with a toxic substance, follow these steps immediately:

1️⃣ Stay Calm: Quick thinking can prevent further harm.
2️⃣ Remove the Substance: If the poison is in the mouth, have your child spit it out. For skin exposure, rinse thoroughly with water.
3️⃣ Contact Poison Control: Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate guidance.
4️⃣ Seek Emergency Care: If your child is experiencing breathing difficulties, seizures, or unconsciousness, head to your nearest ER immediately.

Helpful Resources for Poison Prevention

For expert guidance and prevention tips, visit these trusted resources:

🔗 Poison Control Center – The National Capital Poison Center provides 24/7 expert guidance for poisoning emergencies.
🔗 American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) – Offers resources on poison prevention and emergency response.
🔗 Safe Kids Worldwide – Offers child safety education, including poison prevention.

iCare ER & Urgent Care: Here for Your Family 24/7

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. If your child is exposed to a harmful substance, visit your nearest iCare ER & Urgent Care locations in Frisco, Forney, or Fort Worth for fast, expert care.

✅ No appointment needed
✅ Open 24/7 for emergencies
✅ Experienced pediatric care team

Stay informed, stay prepared, and let’s work together to keep our children safe this Poison Prevention Week and beyond. 💙