Killer chemicals and biological agents in the home

Debra Holtzman, JD, MA

Children under five most at risk
In fact, poison centers across the US report more than a million poisonings among children under the age of five each year. Fortunately, unintentional poisoning is a preventable injury. But it's up to parents, grandparents and caregivers to be educated about what types of substances can be harmful to children. There are 10 potentially deadly toxins in most homes that most parents overlook.

1. Table salt: A little as half a teaspoon to an infant or a tablespoon to a toddler can cause damage to his central nervous system.

2. Mouthwash: Many brands contain alcohol. Alcohol affects children more drastically than adults, so even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to children. It causes a quick drop in blood sugar, drowsiness, seizures and even death. (Examples of other household products containing alcohol: perfumes, colognes and aftershave, vanilla extract, cough and cold medications and rubbing alcohol.)

3. Baby oil: Ingesting baby oil is dangerous. The same is true of other petroleum-based liquids (hydrocarbons) like gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid, kerosene, paint thinner, lamp oil and furniture polish. When you swallow these products and other hydrocarbons, they can easily go down the wrong way and get into your lungs. Only a small amount can cause pneumonia within a few hours. The liquid also spreads out over the inner surface of your lungs, preventing oxygen from entering your blood stream.

4. Antifreeze: The main ingredient in many major antifreeze brands is ethylene glycol, which is very toxic. Antifreeze has a sweet taste. Children or pets will drink large amounts of it if it is left out in an open container or if it is spilled on your driveway. In addition, gasoline, motor oil and windshield washer fluid are also very toxic.

5. Honey: Never give honey to a baby under the age of one. Honey may contain bacterial spores that can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious disease that affects the nervous system of young babies.

6. Plants: As beautiful as they appear, decorative plants may not be safe as you think. Two common household plants that are frequently ingested by children are Dieffenbachia and Philodendron. Both of these plants can cause very serious symptoms. These plants contain oxalates, small crystals that get released into the mouth when the plant is chewed, causing extreme pain and inflammation. A popular flower garden plant is the beautiful Oleander. Everything about this plant is toxic, including the water in which cut flowers are placed and any smoke that results from burning the plant. In fact, a single leaf can kill. (Call the local poison center or your cooperative extension service agent for a list of common poisonous plants that grow in your geographical region.)

7. Cigarettes and cigars: Cigarettes and cigars contain enough nicotine to be dangerous to children. Children are known to eat whole cigarettes, cigars and the "butts," Ingestion can result in vomiting, sweating and seizures.

8. Disc batteries: These flat-shaped, coin-like batteries are commonly used in watches, games, calculators, cameras and hearing aids. They may, if swallowed, stick in the throat or stomach, causing serious burns as the chemical leaks out.

9. Tap water: Contaminated water can be a major source of trouble, especially for those drinking from private wells or streams. The EPA recommends that private water supplies be tested at least once a year for: nitrates, total dissolved solids and coliform bacteria, the presence of which (although it is generally harmless) may indicate other contamination. You may need to test more frequently and for more potential contaminants if a problem is suspected. People who are on a public water utility receive a consumer confidence report once a year that analyzes the water.

10. Iron supplements: Although iron supplements are safe for adults who follow label instructions, ingestion of only a few of them can be lethal to young children (depending on the amount of iron per tablet and the weight of the child).

Prevention tips

Keep all medicines, cleaning products and chemicals locked up, out of reach and sight of young children at all times.

Teach children to ask an adult before putting anything into their mouths.

Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after each use. Remember, these closures are child resistant, not childproof.

Parents should only purchase nontoxic plants when you have pets or children under the age of six. Toxic plants outside the home should be either removed or fenced in.

Whenever you suspect a poisoning, immediately call the toll-free National Poison Hotline (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). The number is 1-800 222-1222, which automatically connects you to your local poison center. Make sure to prominently post this number on every phone in the house.

Call the poison center to see if you should keep Ipecac Syrup or activated charcoal on hand in case of a poisoning. If they do suggest this, you still must ALWAYS CALL the POISON CENTER FIRST to find out if either medicine should be given to your child depending what kind of poison he has swallowed.