Youngsters often confuse cleaners and food items because packaging is similar. Safety latches will not keep children out of cabinets and drawers, but they will slow children down. Soaps can cause choking and vomiting. Soaps are usually considered harmless, but call us when a child eats soap, especially the antibacterial type, is always advised. In 2000, we treated 1,603 soap poisoning exposures.
Most unintentional poisonings happen when a cleaning product is being used.
Toothpaste containing fluoride can be potentially toxic to youngsters who eat large quantities. Hair rinses, conditioners and shampoos accounted for 484 calls in 2000. 683 poisoning cases in 1999 involved perfume, cologne and aftershave. These products are toxic because of the high alcohol content. It is more harmful if it gets on the skin or splashed in the eyes.