Protecting Children and Creating a Healthier Home
Everyday household products can pose serious risks to children and families. Cleaning supplies, medications, and common household chemicals are among the leading causes of poison exposures in the United States—especially for young children.
The good news is that most poisoning incidents are preventable with proper storage, safer product choices, and caregiver education.
Creating a safer home starts with awareness and preparation.
Why Children Are at Highest Risk
Children explore their environment naturally. Brightly colored liquids, laundry pods, and accessible medications can easily be mistaken for food or drink.
According to the Poison Control system, children under age six account for nearly half of all poison exposure calls.
Common household poisoning risks include:
- Cleaning products and disinfectants
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Vitamins and supplements
- Laundry detergent pods
- Hand sanitizer and personal care products
- Button batteries
Even small amounts can cause serious harm.
Safe Storage Is the Most Effective Prevention
The single most important poison prevention step is proper storage.
Protect your family by:
- Keeping all medications locked or out of reach
- Storing cleaning products in secured cabinets
- Never leaving hazardous products unattended
- Using original containers with labels intact
- Avoiding storage in food or drink containers
Child-resistant packaging helps—but it is not childproof.
Safer Cleaning Choices Support Family Health
Reducing chemical exposure also supports long-term health, especially for infants, children, and pregnant mothers.
Safer practices include:
- Using fewer harsh chemicals when possible
- Avoiding unnecessary mixing of cleaning products
- Ensuring proper ventilation when cleaning
- Keeping all cleaning supplies inaccessible to children
The goal is not eliminating cleaning—but using products responsibly and safely.
Back-to-School and Caregiver Safety Matters
Poison prevention extends beyond the home. Caregivers, babysitters, and family members must also understand safety practices.
Parents should:
- Inform caregivers where hazardous products are stored
- Provide emergency contact numbers
- Ensure medications are never left accessible in bags or backpacks
- Teach older children never to consume unknown substances
Prepared caregivers prevent emergencies.
Every Family Should Know Poison Control
If a poisoning exposure occurs, immediate guidance is critical.
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
This free, 24/7 service connects you with medical experts who provide immediate instructions.
Call Poison Control if a child:
- Swallows medication
- Ingests cleaning products
- Is exposed to chemicals
- Consumes an unknown substance
Call 911 immediately if the child is unconscious, seizing, or having difficulty breathing.
Fast action saves lives.
Prevention and Education Protect Your Family
Most poisoning incidents are preventable. Safe storage, informed caregivers, and emergency preparedness dramatically reduce risk.
Home Hazard Prevention provides professional home safety education and prevention training to help families create safer living environments.
Don’t wait for an emergency to identify hazards.
Call 480-448-0266 today to schedule a professional home safety assessment and protect what matters most.
Prevention starts at home.