March 16-22, 2025, marks National Poison Prevention Week, a dedicated time to raise awareness about the dangers of accidental poisoning — especially for young children. Every year, thousands of children are rushed to emergency rooms due to exposure to toxic household items.
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:
Stay Calm: Quick thinking can prevent further harm.
Remove the Substance: If the poison is in the mouth, have your child spit it out. For skin exposure, rinse thoroughly with water.
Contact Poison Control: Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate guidance.
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.