What makes a house a home? Some may say the people in it. Others may say the things inside of it. No matter your opinion, we all take steps to make our houses feel more “home-y,” which should include safety. Whether you spend the whole day at home, or just a few hours, you want to make sure it is a safe place for you and your family to enjoy.
With that thought in mind, we welcome you to the third edition of our home safety series. More than 90% of poisonings happen in the home. This series takes a closer look at some of the poison hazards that you might find in different rooms in your house. Below, we focus on the bathroom. Keep an eye out for these potential poisons, and make sure you use and store them safely.
Medicines and Vitamins
Safe Use: Read the label every time medicine is used and follow the directions about when, how, and how much to take. Pay close attention to the warnings section of the label to learn about possible drug interactions and help prevent unwanted side effects. If you are taking multiple medicines, check the labels for overlapping ingredients. Taking too much of an active ingredient can lead to an overdose. Check with your doctor about vitamins and supplements before taking them, as they can interact with other medicines you take. Keep a current list of all medicines and vitamins you take and bring it with you to medical appointments. You can download our easy-to-use medicine tracker here.
Safe Storage: The best way to prevent medicine and vitamin mishaps is to keep these items up, away, and out of sight. Ideally, they should be kept in their original containers. Daily pill minders are helpful if you are taking multiple medicines or different medicines at different times, but they are not child-resistant. If you have children in your home, make sure you keep those containers up, away, and out of sight as well. If you have visitors, offer them a place to safely store their belongings, including their medicines. Regularly dispose of unused and expired medicines, as they can put children, teens, adults, older adults, and pets at risk. Permanent drop-off locations can be found here. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) also offers two Take Back Days to help people safely dispose of their medications, usually in October and April. Simple instructions for home disposal are available here.
Toothpaste
Safe Use: You might be surprised to learn that swallowing more toothpaste than fits on a toothbrush can be harmful. Why? One of the ingredients in toothpaste is fluoride. The most common symptom caused by consuming too much fluoride is stomach upset. Do not let children play with toothpaste. To help ensure they use the proper amount, supervise children as they brush their teeth until you feel comfortable that they know the correct amount to use.
Safe Storage: If children show signs of liking the taste of toothpaste or wanting to misuse toothpaste, keep the tube out of their reach.
Mouthwash
Safe Use: Mouthwash should not be swallowed. Depending on the brand and type, bottles can contain 15-30% alcohol and fluoride. Supervise children while using mouthwash until you feel comfortable that they will use the proper amount and not swallow any.
Safe Storage: Keep the bottles up, away, and out of sight.
Soap, Lotions, and Creams
Safe Use: When applying these personal care products, avoid getting it near your eyes. Soaps smell great and have enticing graphics on the bottles. This can trick children into thinking it is a food or drink, because the smell is very similar and there is a picture of it on the bottle. As a result, they may try to eat or drink it. Consuming small amounts of these items usually will not cause problems. But, if ingested in larger amounts, symptoms can occur. Call the poison experts if you suspect someone has ingested any of these products. Have the bottle nearby in case we need the information to help determine the best treatment.
Safe Storage: Oftentimes, these products are left on countertops, desks, or in unsecured cabinets. If you find children or pets are interested in these products, move them to a safer location where they can’t see or reach them.
Hair Products
Safe Use: Although hair products seem harmless, they can cause unwanted effects if they are swallowed or get in your eye. At the MPC, we often get calls about are hairspray, mousse, gels, hair relaxers, and hair dye. When using spray products, position the bottle away from your face. If you use your hands to apply product, take time to wash your hands before touching your eyes. There is alcohol in hairspray. The concentration varies from brand to brand, but can range from 25-50%. Hair relaxers contain ingredients that can burn the eyes and mouth if exposed. Hair dyes can cause staining to the skin, which will not come off with scrubbing — just give it time to wear off.
Safe Storage: Keep the products up, away, and out of sight from children.
Nail Care Products
Safe Use: Supervise children around nail polish and nail polish remover. Artificial nail glue is just like super glue, and children should not use it by themselves. Artificial nail glue remover is extremely harmful if ingested. Do not use it around children or supervise its use when children do use it.
Safe Storage: Keep the products up, away, and out of sight from children.
Tub, Shower, and Toilet Cleaners
Safe Use: Breathing in the fumes, getting these substances on the skin or in the eye, and swallowing these substances can be harmful. Read the directions on the label before use and follow them closely to minimize unwanted effects. Do not mix multiple products together. If you need to use more than one cleaner, use the first product, rinse thoroughly, and then use the second product. If the smell becomes overwhelming, open a window or vent in the area and leave until the odor lessens.
Safe Storage: These products can contain more harmful ingredients than other cleaners. Keep them up, away, and out of sight. If possible, store bathroom cleaning products in a locked cabinet.
Rubbing Alcohol
Safe Use: Read the label and only use as directed. Rubbing alcohol should never be ingested, because it is stronger than the alcohol adults typically drink. Green rubbing alcohol also contains a concentrated form of aspirin, which can lead to additional unwanted health effects.
Safe Storage: Keep the products up, away, and out of sight.
These are the main items to watch out for to help make your bathroom a safe space for family and friends alike. If you think someone has ingested or been exposed to any of the above products, call the poison center right away at 1-800-222-1222. Pharmacists and nurses will determine what steps should be taken. Do not wait for symptoms! And, be sure to come back over the next few months to learn about poison dangers in other rooms and steps you can take to make those spaces poison safe.
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