Have you ever read the poison control warnings on common household items—cleaners, batteries, or even medicines—and thought, who would ever try to eat this?
Most of us assume poison exposure is rare or unlikely to happen at home. It is far more common than people realize. It happens in everyday environments, often involving familiar products we use without a second thought. In fact, the Arkansas Poison Center receives around 65 to 70 calls per day about exposures happening at home—and that does not include the many cases that go unreported. So what risks are hiding in plain sight, and how can we better support patient awareness and prevention?
Poison Risks Exist at Home
Most calls to the Arkansas Poison Control Center originate from the home. A child or other member of the household has ingested some common product, and families are left unsure of what to do next.
According to national data, U.S. poison control centers respond to over 2 million exposure cases each year. That is one every 15 seconds. Most of these occur in residential settings, and a large portion involve children under the age of 5.
Many of these exposures are accidental. According to the CDC, around 38% of accidental deaths in the U.S. in 2024 (the third leading cause of death nationally) were attributed to accidental poisoning.
For healthcare professionals, this highlights just how common poison exposure is. It is part of the everyday landscape of patient safety.
The Most Common Household Risks
Some of the most common poison exposures come from products people use every day. According to the Arkansas Poison Control Center, one of the most common and concerning substances is acetaminophen.
As Hal Foster, Director of the Arkansas Poison Control and Drug Information Center, explains: “The number one thing, and this is nationally as well, is acetaminophen. There is no close second.”
Because it is widely available and commonly used as a pain reliever and fever reducer, it is easy to accidentally take too much or give improper doses, especially to children.
Other common household risks include:
- Button batteries
- Drain cleaners
- Menthol (found in insect and rodent repellants)
- Ethylene glycol (found in antifreeze and coolant)
- Paraquat herbicide (especially in farmlands)
Even small exposures to some of these substances can be dangerous.
Practicing poison safety at home is critical. This includes storing items out of reach, keeping products in their original containers, and carefully reading all label instructions.It is also important to learn how to safely take acetaminophen. There are different instructions for children and adults.
Why Some Poisons Are Easy to Miss
Many of these risks are easy to overlook because they are part of everyday life. Familiarity lowers perceived danger.
Medication is a prime example. When children see adults taking medicine regularly, they may not recognize it as harmful. Referring to medicine as “candy” can further blur that line.
Foster emphasizes this point clearly: “Do not call them candy. We need to be diligent about these types of things.”
Garages are another high-risk area. Families can be exposed to fuels, pesticides, and chemicals when they walk into the garage. Each of these products is often more toxic and less securely stored.
Packaging also plays a huge role in perceived risk. Bright colors, small sizes, and familiar shapes, like button batteries, can make dangerous items appear more appealing or easier to ingest, particularly for young children.
Emerging Trends to Know
In addition to common household risks, poison control data highlights several emerging trends that are important for providers and families to understand.
One of the most concerning trends is the rise in intentional overdoses among youth. Over the past two decades, these cases have increased significantly, reflecting broader challenges related to mental health.
“In the last 20 years, the suicide rate in this country has really gone up,” Foster notes. “It’s gone up 700% in children who are 12 years of age or less.”
There has also been an increase in cannabinoid exposure, particularly among children who ingest edible products like gummies. As these products become more common, so do accidental exposures.
Additionally, challenges in product design, such as larger lithium button batteries, have introduced new risks. These batteries are more likely to become lodged in the body and cause serious internal injury.
When to Call Poison Control Versus Emergency Services
Knowing when to seek help is critical in a potential poisoning situation.
If someone is not breathing, unconscious, or experiencing severe symptoms, call 911 immediately.
For many other situations, poison control can provide fast, expert guidance. Calling poison control before going to the hospital can help families take the right steps quickly and may even improve the care experience once they arrive.
“Call us beforehand,” Foster explains. “We might be able to tell you a few things to do before you get there, and we will call ahead to that healthcare facility, so it speeds up the process for you."
Poison control is available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222, connecting callers to trained experts who can guide them through the situation.
Supporting Prevention Through Everyday Conversations
Preventing poison exposure does not require major changes. It often comes down to small, consistent actions.
Safe storage is one of the most effective strategies. Keeping medications and chemicals out of reach, avoiding the use of non-original containers, and ensuring clear labeling can significantly reduce risk.
Medication safety is another key area. Helping patients and families understand proper dosing, especially for commonly used medications like acetaminophen, can prevent unintentional overdoses.
These topics can also be reinforced during routine care. Simple, brief conversations during visits—particularly for families with young children—can help raise awareness and support safer environments at home.
A Preventable Risk with Everyday Impact
Poison exposure is more common than many people realize, but it is also highly preventable.
With greater awareness, clear communication, and access to trusted resources like poison control, families and providers can work together to reduce risk and improve outcomes.
Small shifts in awareness can lead to meaningful impact—and in some cases, save lives.
