call any drugs “candy” – no matter how desperate you are to get them to take it when they’re sick – or they may be tempted to dip into that “candy” on their own.
Most important: Put the number of your local Poison Control Center where you can easily find it in an emergency. Need the number? Visit the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) at www.aapcc.org.
3. Cleaning products
More than one million children under five years old are exposed each year to potential poisons such as medicines and household chemicals, the AAPCC reports.
And like medications, the bright colors and sweet scents of cleaning products make them look appealing to little ones.
But there’s nothing pretty about the health problems they can cause. The most common products ingested by children are drain, oven and toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, detergents, furniture polish and rust remover.
Protect your family: Under the kitchen and bathroom sinks are common places to store cleaning products, but it’s better to keep them on high shelves, completely out of reach of curious little hands. If you must store cleaners in low cabinets, use baby-proof locks and make sure all tops are properly closed. When you take products out to clean, make sure they’re way out of your child’s reach and securely closed. You can also try putting a danger mark on all hazardous products (draw your own or use a sticker) and teach kids to steer clear when they see it.
RELATED: 7 Cleaning Products You Should NEVER Mix
4. Carbon Monoxide
This odorless, colorless gas is toxic and may even kill you. And you may not even realize it’s in your home!
Typically, the danger comes from fuel-burning appliances: furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers, water heaters and space heaters, as well as automobile exhaust from attached garages.
Low levels of this toxic gas may cause headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue, according to the EPA.
Higher levels can lead to impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness and, at very high concentrations, death.
Protect your family: Buy a carbon monoxide detector, something the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends for all homes. Make sure it’s installed properly and test it regularly. Make sure fuel-burning appliances are installed correctly. To stay safe, have a pro inspect all your fuel-burning appliances annually. With gas stoves, use an exhaust fan vented to the outside. Make sure the flue is open when using your fireplace and that your space heater is vented. Lastly, never let your car idle in the garage.
5. Dust Mites
These microscopic critters with the naked eye, but they can still hurt your health. They may be one of the most common causes of allergies and asthma and can trigger the same miserable symptoms. Why? Because dust mites need moisture and feed off the dead skin cells our bodies shed.
Their favorite hiding place? Beds, pillows, mattresses and sheets.
Protect your family: Unfortunately, dust mites are a part of your life, and the best thing you can do is create as much space between you and them as possible by covering all of your bedding with allergy covers. Also, wash bedding and area rugs in hot water at least once a week. Another trick is to put items that aren’t machine washable, such as stuffed animals, in the freezer for a couple of hours – this kills the dust mites. In addition, don’t go to bed with wet hair, since the extra moisture attracts mites, and regularly vacuum all floors, particularly carpets.