Know the Signs of Poisoning 

Accidental poisoning is more common than you think. You may see depictions of theatrical poisoning in some of your favorite thriller movies. But in reality, poison exposures happen more frequently in our homes—and they happen daily. Medications, cleaning products, laundry pods, pesticides, antifreeze, carbon monoxide, and even some plants can be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Children, older adults, and pets are especially at risk, but poisoning can affect anyone. “Poisoning is highly common, making it a leading cause of unintentional injury among children under the age of five,” states Dr. Vinodhini Sriram, Family Medicine, PIH Health.   

Because many harmful products are part of daily life and are often readily accessible, it’s easy to overlook the danger until an incident occurs. It’s important to know what to do when emergency strikes. When it does, recognizing the signs and knowing the steps to take can help you act quickly and reduce serious harm.  

Potential Signs of Poisoning 

Poisoning doesn’t always cause immediate or obvious symptoms. Some symptoms show up quickly, while others may take hours. Signs can vary depending on the substance, amount involved, and how it entered the body. Possible warning signs include: 

• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Dizziness, confusion, or extreme drowsiness
• Burns, redness, or blisters on the lips or skin
• Drooling or trouble swallowing
• Headache or chest discomfort
• Seizures or loss of consciousness 

In children, sudden behavior changes, unusual sleepiness, or unexplained crying can be clues. Pets may vomit, act weak, or seem unsteady. If symptoms don’t have a clear cause, poisoning should be considered. 

What to Do Immediately 

If you think someone has been poisoned, taking quick action is important. Don’t wait for symptoms to pass or worsen before getting help and follow these tips: 

• Call Poison Control right away. In the U.S., the number is 1.800.222.1222. The line is free, available 24/7, and staffed by experts who can walk you through what to do. If fumes or carbon monoxide, or chemical spill is involved, move everyone to fresh air and away from danger before calling for help.
• Call 911 for severe symptoms. Symptoms that should be treated as a medical emergency include trouble breathing, seizures, collapse, or unconsciousness.
• Don’t force vomiting unless told to do so. This can cause more injury, especially with chemicals or caustic substances.
• Don’t give food or drinks unless told to do so. Some substances react badly when mixed with food or liquids.
• Remove the source if possible. If the substance is on the skin or in the eyes, gently rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
• Have details ready. Bring the product container, medication bottle, or plant name to the phone or hospital emergency room if you can. This can help medical professionals determine the best way to treat.