10 Simple Household Items That Could Be Toxic to Your Kids

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Being parents is all about creating a safe environment for our children. But there are some of the most common household items that could harm their health and safety in unexpected ways.

Most of these goods are convenient and necessary to life, but some could contain chemicals or exist as hazards that aren’t readily apparent. Here’s a look at a few everyday items that could be toxic to your kids and how to prevent that.

Cleaning Products

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Bleach, ammonia, and disinfectants that clean your house have harsh chemicals, and if these chemicals are ingested or inhaled, they can be toxic. These products are kept in storage areas and cabinets in which young children are naturally curious and may get into. You should never store cleaning supplies where children can reach them and should always use childproof locks to keep them out of your children’s reach. Whenever possible, choose non-toxic, child-friendly cleaning products.

Air Fresheners

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While air fresheners may make your home smell great, they usually contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemicals that can irritate your child’s lungs or trigger allergies. These chemicals have the capacity to have more serious health consequences if long-term exposure occurs. In place of natural alternatives, such as opening windows to receive fresh air, consider using essential oils. Do not put air fresheners in areas where children spend much time.

Laundry Detergent Pods

Laundry pods are convenient, but they have bright colors with squishy textures that can entice kids to pick them up and make them look like toys or candy. If ingested, these pods are dangerous, causing chemical burns and poisoning. Lock away those laundry pods and use liquid or powder detergent which is less tempting to kids. Never leave the laundry area unattended with children.

Medications

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Prescription and over the counter medications can be very dangerous to children if they are ingested accidentally. Even small amounts of some medications are enough to cause poisoning, overdose, or other serious reactions. Always keep medications in childproof containers and always out of reach. Teach older children not to take medicine without supervision.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

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Perfumes, nail polish removers and even lotions often contain chemicals that are dangerous if swallowed or applied to sensitive skin. These products may be appealing to children on the basis of scent, texture or packaging, and so could result in accidental exposure. Store these things in a safe place and keep them away from small children. Try to find safer, non toxic alternatives where possible.

Batteries

Small batteries, such as the button batteries used in remote controls, toys, and other electronics, are a serious choking and ingestion hazard to young children. They can cause internal burns and can be life threatening if swallowed. Batteries that come with your equipment need to be securely fastened in the battery compartments and spare batteries should not be out of reach.

Pesticides and Insect Repellents

While pesticides and insect repellents are necessary to keep bugs away, these contain chemicals that poison children if they breathe in, ingest or absorb through the skin. Exposures can be as small as breathing in a smoke from a burned house or skin irritations or poisoning. Keep these products in a locked area and use natural pest control whenever possible. When applying them around your home, always follow safety guidelines.

Paint and Paint Thinners

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Paint has many harmful substances like lead or VOCs in them which can cause danger for babies and children too to inhale or ingest. Even the fumes alone can be a respiratory issue, especially in closed in areas. If you’re redecorating, opt for non-toxic, low VOC paints and keep all painting supplies well out of reach. These products should be used with proper ventilation.

Houseplants

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If children ingest certain common houseplants, such as philodendrons, peace lilies, and poinsettias, they are toxic. Curious toddlers who nibble on leaves or flowers can lead to stomach upset or even more serious reactions, depending on the plant they nibbled on. Before bringing any plants into your home, make sure to research their safety. Avoid toxic plants or choose nontoxic varieties.

Hand Sanitizer

Although hand sanitizers are a great way to kill germs, many of them contain alcohol, which can be dangerous for small children if ingested. Even a small amount of alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning. If possible, always choose a non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer and supervise young children when using it. Try to keep your children from getting their succulent hands on the bottles, as they will have a field day if they do.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.