Some of the everyday items you have at home could be poisonous to you or your child. The interactive below describes the items that you might have in your bathroom and what you should do if someone gets into them. Find more information about each type of hazard in the dropdowns below.
Description
Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter medicine used to treat pain and fever. It can also be found in cold medicines and prescription medicines, so make sure to always read the label closely to avoid unintentional over-dosing.
Poisoning risk
Dependent on dose ingested.
Expected symptoms
Can range from mild upset stomach to severe liver damage in higher/toxic amounts.
Home treatment
Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all your other household medicines.
- Always keep this product in its original container.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Air fresheners are used to eliminate odors and come in a variety of forms: sprays, candles, oils and plug-ins.
Plug-ins are a common unintentional exposure for babies and toddlers, as these are often right at their level.
Poisoning risk
Low in taste amounts.
Expected symptoms
- Possible skin, mouth or throat irritation.
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Wash hands with soap and water, and wipe mouth with a damp cloth.
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- For eye exposures, rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
*Note: concentrated essential oils can be harmful when swallowed, and can be very dangerous if they get into the airway. If the person exposed has difficulty breathing, call 911.
Remember:
- Avoid using plug-ins when there are babies or toddlers in the home.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
There are many different types of antibiotics, but in general, they do not cause serious symptoms in the event of dosing errors or unintentional ingestions in children.
Poisoning risk
Low.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all your other household medicines.
- Always keep this product in its original container.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Baby wipes contain mild detergents but are mostly made up of water. They pose more of a choking risk than a poisoning risk.
Poisoning risk
None/Low.
Expected symptoms
- Unpleasant taste.
- Possible oral irritation.
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- If you have questions, call the Poison Centre.
- If your child is choking, call 911.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Babies and toddlers will at some point swallow bath water, either from sucking on a washcloth or drinking from a bath toy. While bath water usually contains soap, shampoo or oil residue, it is so dilute that it will not cause any harm. If a large amount is swallowed, it may cause minor stomach upset due to irritant effect of bath products.
Poisoning risk
None/Low.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Provide something else to drink for dilution.
- If you have questions, call the Poison Centre.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Birth control pills are low-dose hormones used to prevent pregnancy, and usually come in packs of 21 or 28 pills. Children are not affected by these hormones, even if an entire pack is eaten.
Poisoning risk
None/low.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- If you have questions, call the Poison Centre.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all of your other household medicines.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Candles are usually made of wax: beeswax, paraffin wax or plant-based wax. Some contain additive ingredients to provide colour or fragrance. Because candles are easy to bite into and have a mild taste, it is common to see unintentional ingestions in children.
Poisoning risk
Low.
Expected symptoms
- If a large amount has been ingested, possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- If you have questions, call the Poison Centre.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Cannabis can be consumed through smoking, vaporizing the plant-based product, or through edibles (store-bought and home-made candy, oils or baked goods). The amount of THC (the chemical that causes the “high” effect) in edibles can be highly variable, especially in unregulated products. Unregulated means that the products do not come from an authorized provincial or territorial seller.
Poisoning risk
High in children: they are more at risk for severe poisoning. Ingestions can be life-threatening.
Expected symptoms
- Can range from mild drowsiness to coma.
Home treatment
- If a child has ingested a cannabis-containing product, take them to nearest emergency department.
- If an adult has had an unintentional exposure to cannabis and is concerned, call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all of your other household hazards and medicines.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Deodorants/antiperspirants are used to control body odour and to reduce perspiration. They are available in solid forms, as well as roll-on gels or sprays. Ingestion of small amounts of any form of these products is not expected to be harmful.
Poisoning risk
Low.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- If you have questions, call the Poison Centre.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Diaper rash products often contain zinc oxide and are available in the form of ointments and creams. Because they are often left out and the lid is easily removed, it is common for children to sample them.
Poisoning risk
None.
Expected symptoms
- Possible mild laxative effect as it passes through the system (causing diarrhea or loose stool).
Home treatment
- Wash hands and face.
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- For eye exposures, rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm water, then call the Poison Centre for further advice.
- If a child stuffs a large amount of cream into their mouth, it can make them cough and gag or choke. If your child is choking, call 911.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all of your other household hazards.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Disinfectant wipes are used to wipe down surfaces such as countertops, floors, bathroom fixtures and phones. If a child is found chewing on one of these wipes, they may get some of the liquid disinfectant into their mouths. This rarely results in harm.
Poisoning risk
Low.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Remove any residual pieces from mouth
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- If you have questions, call the Poison Centre.
- If your child is choking, call 911.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all of your other household hazards.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Echinacea can be found in herbal supplement and sometimes in topical ointments. While it is promoted to treat cold/flu and to relieve pain and inflammation, it is not approved for these conditions by Health Canada.
Short-term use of these products in adults and unintentional ingestion in children is not expected to cause serious effects. Allergic reactions may occur in those with hypersensitivity to Echinacea.
Poisoning risk
None/Low.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach in higher doses (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- If you have questions, call the Poison Centre.
*Note: visit the Health Canada website for the database of approved natural health products.
Description
Essential oils are derived from plant parts and are used for aromatherapy and have been advertised to provide a number of health benefits (with limited evidence).
Products containing essential oils should only be used for their intended purpose (i.e. should not be applied to skin or swallowed unless the label says to do so). Concentrated essential oils can be easily coughed/choked on, which can cause some of the oil to slip into the lungs and damage delicate lung tissue. This can result in pneumonia.
Poisoning risk
Dependent on the ingredient, and the amount swallowed.
Examples of high toxicity essential oils include oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate), clove oil, and camphor.
Expected symptoms
- Skin, eye, mouth and stomach irritation.
- Some essential oils can cause much more serious symptoms if more than a taste amount is ingested. For example: swallowing a mouthful of wintergreen oil is like swallowing a large amount of aspirin. Clove oil can cause coma and liver damage when swallowed. Small ingestions of camphor can cause seizures.
Home treatment
- If swallowed, provide small sips of water to drink.
- Wash exposed skin with mild soap and lukewarm water for several minutes.
- For eye exposures, rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
- If the person exposed has difficulty breathing, call 911.
*Note: visit the Health Canada website for the database of approved natural health products.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all your other household hazards.
- Always keep this product in its original container.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Hand and body lotions are a combination of water, oils, and often fragrances and preservatives. These products are not toxic when swallowed in exploratory ingestions, unless they are medicated (ex/muscle rubs, sunscreens). May cause an upset stomach if swallowed.
Poisoning risk
None/low.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- For eye exposures, rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm water, then call the Poison Centre for further advice.
*Note: If lotion or cream is medicated, it may have additional ingredients that may be harmful. Call the Poison Centre right away if this is the case.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Homeopathic products are advertised to treat a wide variety of health issues. These products are generally very diluted, and ingredients are listed in terms of its degree of dilution (ex/ 1X, 5C). Because of this dilution, unintentional exposure or overdose of these products rarely causes symptoms. However, remember that not all available products are regulated and ingredient labels may not be reliable.
Poisoning risk
Low.
Expected symptoms
- None/Minimal. Can cause possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
*Note: visit the Health Canada website for the database of approved homeopathic products.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all of your other household medicines.
- Always keep this product in its original container.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Hydrogen peroxide is available in different strengths and in different products. 3% hydrogen peroxide is a common household product that is used as an antiseptic for minor wounds. It is also sometimes used as a whitening agent in products like tooth whitening kits and hair bleach.
Poisoning risk
Dependent on dose/amount ingested.
Low: unintentional ingestions of diluted or 3% solutions.
High: intentional ingestions, or ingestions of solutions >10%.
Expected symptoms
- Bloating of stomach, belching.
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
- Skin "whitening" or irritation: usually returns to normal after a few hours if it has been washed off.
Home treatment
- Dilute with small amount of water or milk to drink.
- Wash exposed skin with soap and water for several minutes.
- For eye exposures, rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
*Note: stronger hydrogen peroxide >10% can cause more serious symptoms. If swallowed, call the Poison Centre or seek medical attention in your nearest ED right away.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all of your other household hazards.
- Always keep this product in its original container.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Ibuprofen is a common over-the-counter medicine used to treat pain and fever. It can also be found in cold medications and prescription medications, so make sure to always read the label closely to avoid unintentional over-dosing.
Poisoning risk
Dependent on dose ingested.
Expected symptoms
- Can range from mild upset stomach to severe symptoms in larger/toxic amounts, including kidney damage.
Home treatment
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all your other household medicines.
- Always keep this product in its original container.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Lip balm contains a wide range of ingredients, and unless it contains sunscreen or is medicated (e.g., contains camphor, benzocaine or salicylic acid), it is not harmful in unintentional ingestions.
Poisoning risk
None/low.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- If lip balm contains sunscreen or is medicated, call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Medicated chest rub is a topical cough medicine that is applied to the chest to help relieve cough and congestion. It usually contains a combination of camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oil, which can be poisonous if swallowed.
Poisoning risk
Poisonous if swallowed: severity dependent on amount.
Low-risk in taste amounts.
High-risk in larger amounts.
Expected symptoms
- Can range from mild upset stomach to severe symptoms including seizures.
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- For eye exposures, rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all of your other household medicines.
- Always keep this product in its original container.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Melatonin is also known as the "sleep hormone" because it helps to regulate the body’s daily wake-sleep pattern. It is a natural hormone, but is available in tablets, gummy and liquid supplements. Some of these products look and taste like candy and are appealing to children. A one-time ingestion, even in relatively large amounts should not cause serious symptoms.
Poisoning risk
Low, unless ingested in very high amounts.
Expected symptoms
- Mild drowsiness is common.
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all your other household medicines.
- Always keep this product in its original container.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Muscle creams and rubs are used to soothe aches and pains in adults. They usually contains one or some of the following active ingredients which can be toxic if swallowed:
- Methyl salicylate (AKA "wintergreen oil"). Contains very high concentration of aspirin.
- Camphor: can cause seizures.
- Menthol: can cause severe drowsiness.
- Eucalyptus: can cause severe drowsiness.
Poisoning risk
Poisonous if swallowed: severity dependent on amount.
Low in taste amounts.
High in larger amounts.
Expected symptoms
- Can range from mild upset stomach to severe symptoms (aspirin poisoning, seizures).
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- For eye exposures, rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- This product should be locked up and out of sight with all of your other household medicines.
- Always keep this product in its original container.
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Perfumes/colognes often contain a high percentage of alcohol, usually ethyl alcohol. The additive fragrance can make them attractive to children, leading to licks/tastes. A small/taste ingestion will not intoxicate a child.
Poisoning risk
Dependent on dose/amount ingested.
None/low in taste amounts.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
- Symptoms of intoxication can range from mild (drowsiness, slurred speech, upset stomach) to severe (coma, seizures).
- Children are more susceptible to a drop in their blood sugar level at toxic amounts.
Home treatment
- Provide juice or milk to drink, or a snack.
- For eye exposures, rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Silica gel comes in paper packages and can be found in many items like shoes, clothing pockets, and in bottles of medicine. The silica gel usually comes in clear/round beads. They are there to help keep things dry. These packets are not toxic but can pose a choking risk if swallowed.
Poisoning risk
None.
Expected symptoms
None.
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink to flush beads into stomach.
- If you have questions, call the Poison Centre.
- If your child is choking, call 911.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Soaps: including hand/body soaps, hand dishwashing soap and shampoos have low toxicity. They will generally result in a bad taste in the mouth and irritant effects if swallowed.
Poisoning risk
None/Low.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- For eye exposures, rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm water, then call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Sunscreens contain various active ingredients, some of which are in the aspirin family including homosalate and octisalate. This may result in aspirin poisoning if ingested in large amounts. Most effects from unintentional ingestion are related to additive ingredients including various oils, fragrances or alcohols which are not toxic but can be irritating.
Poisoning risk
Low in small, unintentional exposures.
High in large amounts.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
Home treatment
- Provide something to drink for dilution.
- For eye exposures, rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Mercury can be found in many old thermometers. Mercury can be highly toxic when the heated vapour is inhaled; however, the risk of inhaling at room temperature is small. In addition, the amount of mercury in these thermometers is relatively small and a broken thermometer poses a low risk to your health, unless mishandled or carelessly stored. Most commercially available thermometers no longer contain mercury.
Poisoning risk
Low with appropriate clean-up measures.
Expected symptoms
Mild-moderate mercury poisoning (not expected from this exposure): cough, shortness of breath, lethargy, headache, tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Home treatment
- Leave room and ventilate area for at least 15 minutes.
- Do not use a vacuum or broom.
- Wear disposable gloves if available.
- Scoop up the broken pieces and debris with two pieces of stiff paper or cardboard.
- Wipe the area with a damp paper towel.
- Place broken glass and cleanup materials in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid, and take to local hazardous waste depot.
- If you have questions, call the Poison Centre.
*Note: For carpeted surfaces, visit the Health Canada website for more information.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).
Description
Toothpaste is a common call for the Poison Centre: when children are left unattended, they may become curious about the tube and sometimes eat a large portion of its contents. Toothpaste contains fluoride which can be poisonous if enough is swallowed. Often this requires ingesting more than a few mouthfuls. Fluoride in toothpaste usually comes in one of three forms: sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, and stannous fluoride.
Poisoning risk
Dependent on amount ingested.
Low in small amounts.
High in larger amounts.
Expected symptoms
- Possible upset stomach (discomfort, nausea, isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea).
- Fluoride poisoning: moderate to severe vomiting and diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness.
Home treatment
- Provide milk to drink (calcium can help to reduce the fluoride absorption).
- For eye exposures, rinse eyes for at least 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
- Call the Poison Centre for further advice.
Remember:
- Every case is different. OPC is available 24hrs/day to provide information for your individual situation. Call 1-800-268-9017 (Toll-free) or 416-813-5900 (Local).