Denton County Living Well Magazine July/August 2020 | Page 47

Adults can also accidentally overdose on analgesics. The risk
is particularly high when combining them with cough and
cold medicines because these sometimes contain ibuprofen.
Household cleaning substances. These toxins result
in poisoning through ingestion, inhalation, or coming in
contact with the skin or eyes. The National Safety Council
recommends paying close attention to the labels of all
household products and following all safety precautions to
protect both yourself and family members from accidental
exposure.
If pets or children are in your home, keep these products
stored out of reach or locked up. Use particular caution
with paint, markers, glue, cleaners, and furniture and floor
polish.
A danger young children are particularly vulnerable to is
laundry and dishwasher packets. Infants and toddlers are
attracted to these colorful little packets because they resemble
teething products, candy, and toys.
Cosmetics & personal care products. Most people
think of these items as relatively harmless since we use them
on our bodies daily. Unfortunately, children tend to use
them for purposes for which they aren’t intended. Ingestion
of cosmetics and personal care products can cause mild to
severe reactions, including severe burns in the esophagus
or mouth. Children also sometimes get these products in
their eyes. This can cause severe pain or even damage.
These products can also be unsafe for adults. For example,
the FDA has warned of high mercury levels found in some
cosmetics manufactured overseas that are illegally sold in
the U.S. So check labels for ‘mercurous chloride,’ ‘calomel,’
‘mercury,’ ‘mercuric,’ or ‘mercurio.’ The FDA recommends
immediately discontinuing the use of a product if
one of these appears on the label.
Sedatives, hypnotics, antipsychotics. Sedative and
hypnotic poisonings are most often associated with suicide
attempts, according to “Sedative-Hypnotic Toxicity” on
Medscape. Still, ample accidental poisonings from these
medications occur each year — poisonings from these result
from accidental overdosing to adverse reactions that
can occur even when taken as directed.
These drugs are particularly toxic to children and pets and
can result in death. So store them someplace inaccessible
to kids and pets.
Antidepressants. Teens and adults are the most common
victims of antidepressant poisonings. These drugs are
also often the choice for suicide attempts.
But antidepressants can also result in accidental poisoning.
This occurs by accidentally or even knowingly taking a dose
higher than prescribed. Certain classes of antidepressants,
tricyclics, in particular, can be deadly if overdose occurs.
Antidepressant poisoning can also result from interaction
when combined with certain medications. As with all
drugs, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining
these drugs.
Although antidepressants aren’t among the top 10 poisonings
for children under 13, these drugs, like any other, can
be toxic to children if not prescribed for them or if they take
too high a dose.
MORE MEDICATIONS THAT
COMMONLY RESULT IN POISONING
The following are among the top 10 most frequent exposures
to poisoning within various age groups. If children
or pets are in your home, make sure these hazards have
child protective caps and/or are locked up and kept out of
reach. For adult safety, always read labels carefully and
only use as directed.
• Antihistamines
• Anticonvulsants
• Hormones & hormone antagonists
• Cardiovascular drugs
• Cough & cold medications
OTHER COMMON POISON EXPOSURES
The following are also among the top 10 poison exposures
for various age groups.
• Pesticides
• Alcohols
• Stimulants and street drugs
• Vitamins and supplements
• Foreign bodies - toys, etc.
• Plants
This alarming trend reveals the importance of greater
awareness of the full range of substances that pose a risk to
children and adults alike. So, take extra precautions and be
aware of these top toxins. Then take precautions to protect
your pets, grandchildren when they visit, and yourself from
these substances that are commonly found in the home.
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2020
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