Overview

A poison is a substance that has toxic effects. It may injure you or make you sick if you are exposed to it. Poisons can be found everywhere, from simple household cleaners to cosmetics to houseplants to industrial chemicals. Even medicines that are taken in the wrong dose, at the wrong time, or by the wrong person can cause a toxic effect. Poisonous substances can hurt you if they are swallowed, inhaled, spilled on your skin, or splashed in your eyes. In most cases, any product that gives off fumes or is an aerosol that can be inhaled should be considered a possible poison. More than 90% of poisonings occur in the home.

Young children have the highest risk of poisoning. That's because they're naturally curious. More than half of poisonings in children occur in those who are younger than age 6. Some children will swallow just about anything, including unappetizing substances that are poisonous. When in doubt, assume the worst. Always believe a child or a witness, such as another child or a brother or sister, who reports that poison has been swallowed. Many poisonings occur when an adult who is using a poisonous product around children gets distracted by the doorbell, a phone, or some other interruption.

Young children are also at high risk for accidental poisoning from non-prescription substances and prescription medicines. Most medicine bottles are packaged to prevent a child from opening them. But other substances may come in packaging, like plastic bags, that can be easily opened. Be sure to keep all medicines and other substances away from where children can reach them. And keep substance use-related items, like bongs, pipes, lighters, needles, spoons, and fentanyl patches, locked up, out of sight, and out of reach of children. Exposure to even a tiny amount of any substances such as ecstasy, methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl can make your baby or child very sick or cause death.

Teens also have an increased risk of poisonings, both accidental and intentional, because of their risk-taking behaviour. Some teens experiment with poisonous substances. They may sniff toxic glues or inhale aerosol substances to get "high." About half of all poisonings in teens are classified as suicide attempts. They always require medical care.

Adults—especially older adults—are at risk for accidental and intentional poisonings from:

• Alcohol and drugs.
• Gas leaks. These include exhaust leaks from heaters and stoves and automobile exhaust.
• Medicines, such as acetaminophen, antibiotics, cough and cold remedies, vitamins, pain relievers, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers.
• Household cleaning supplies and other substances. Examples are cosmetics, antifreeze, windshield cleaner, gardening products, and paint thinners.
• Herbal products.

Symptoms of poisonings

The symptoms of a suspected poisoning may vary depending on the person's age, the type of poisonous substance, the amount of poison involved, and how much time has passed since the poisoning occurred. Sometimes poison doesn't cause any symptoms. Some common symptoms that might point to a poisoning include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Cramps.
• Throat pain.
• Drooling.
• Sudden sleepiness, confusion, or decreased alertness.
• Anxiousness, nervousness, grouchiness, or tremors.
• Seizures.
• Substance residue or burn around the mouth, teeth, or eyes, or on the skin.
• Trouble breathing.
• A headache.

If you have a possible poisoning emergency, call a poison centre (1-844-POISON-X or 1-844-764-7669) immediately. If the person is unconscious, not breathing, or having a seizure, call 911.

In the case of a poisoning, a poison centre or your doctor can give you advice right away on what to do. Have the poison container with you so you can give complete information to the poison centre, such as what the poison or substance is, how much was taken and when. Do not try to make the person vomit.