Poison Prevention and When to Go to the ER

Key Takeaways

• Poisoning can occur from medicines, household products, fumes, plants, and small consumer items.
• Many exposures can be managed with guidance from Poison Control.
• Life-threatening symptoms require calling 911.
• Button battery or magnet exposures are always medical emergencies.
• Poison prevention focuses on safe storage, proper use, and supervision.

Introduction

Poisoning occurs when the body is harmed after exposure to a toxic substance. Exposure can happen by swallowing, inhaling, or having contact with a substance through the skin or eyes. Common sources include medications, household chemicals, fumes such as carbon monoxide, plants, pesticides, and certain consumer products. Some exposures can be safely managed with guidance from Poison Control, while others require urgent or emergency medical care.

What Counts as Poisoning

Poisoning includes harmful effects from:

• Medications (prescription and over-the-counter), especially when taken incorrectly
• Household products, such as cleaners and chemicals
• Gases and fumes, including carbon monoxide
• Plants, pesticides, and automotive products
• Small consumer items, such as button batteries and magnets

The effects of a poisoning vary depending on the substance involved and how exposure occurred. Some exposures cause mild symptoms, while others are life-threatening.

Common Poisons in and Around the Home

High-quality evidence consistently identifies the following as common household poisoning risks:

• Medicines and vitamins
• Household cleaners and chemicals
• Laundry detergent packets
• Automotive fluids (such as antifreeze)
• Carbon monoxide from fuel-burning appliances
• Button batteries and small magnets
• Pesticides and certain plants

Most poison exposures occur in the home, particularly among young children.

Poison Control vs. the ER vs. 911: How to Decide

Call Poison Control

Poison Control specialists can assess many suspected poison exposures and advise what to do next. They commonly help with medication errors, small ingestions, and exposures without severe symptoms. In the United States, Poison Control is available nationwide at 1-800-222-1222, 24 hours a day.

Go to the Emergency Room

Emergency department evaluation is recommended when:

• Poison Control advises immediate in-person medical care
• A button battery or magnet may have been swallowed or inserted into the nose or ear
• Symptoms are worsening or concerning
• The exposure involves a high-risk substance or a large amount

Call 911 Immediately

Call 911 for any life-threatening symptoms, including:

• Trouble breathing
• Seizures or convulsions
• Loss of consciousness or collapse
• Severe chest pain

These situations require immediate emergency response.

What to Do Right Away: First Aid by Exposure Type

Swallowed Poison

• Remove any remaining substance from the mouth
• Do not force vomiting
• Do not give food or drink unless instructed
• Contact Poison Control immediately

Swallowed Button Battery or Battery in the Nose or Ear

• This is a medical emergency
• Go to the emergency room or call 911 right away
• Do not wait for symptoms to appear

Poison on the Skin

• Remove contaminated clothing or jewelry
• Rinse the skin with running water
• Follow Poison Control guidance for next steps

Poison in the Eye

• Rinse the eye with clean, room-temperature water
• Flush continuously for several minutes
• Avoid rubbing the eye
• Contact Poison Control for guidance

Inhaled Fumes

• Move the person to fresh air immediately
• Call 911 if there is trouble breathing or collapse
• Contact Poison Control once the person is in a safe environment

Symptoms That Can Occur After Poisoning

Possible Mild Symptoms

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache or dizziness
• Mild stomach pain
• Skin or eye irritation

Serious or Emergency Symptoms

• Trouble breathing
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Seizures or confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe chest or abdominal pain

Any serious or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical care or a call to 911.

Poison Prevention

Safe Storage

• Keep medicines and chemicals locked away and out of sight
• Store products in their original containers with labels intact

Medication Safety

• Take medicines exactly as directed
• Use child-resistant packaging when available
• Never take someone else’s medication

Household Chemicals

• Never mix cleaning products
• Use products in well-ventilated areas
• Put products away immediately after use

Batteries and Small Items

• Secure battery compartments on devices
• Keep spare batteries and small magnets out of reach

Carbon Monoxide Prevention

• Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas
• Maintain fuel-burning appliances regularly
• Never run vehicles or generators indoors

Higher-Risk Groups

Babies and Young Children

• Use cabinet locks and safety latches
• Store medicines and chemicals high and locked
• Do not refer to medicine as “candy”

Older Adults

• Use pill organizers to reduce medication errors
• Improve lighting and labeling to make instructions easier to read