St.

Paul University Philippines

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
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SCHOOL OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
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PHR126 – CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
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EXERCISE NO. 6
Poisoning from Household Products
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I. Objectives:
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1. identify the potential toxic content of household chemicals;
2. describe the physicochemical properties of the toxic ingredient;
3. discuss the mechanism of toxicity of the identified toxic ingredient; and
4. state the appropriate management treatment and prevention of the
manifested clinical signs and symptoms of the product. ! !
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II. Discussion:
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Household products were defined as those products found in the home
environment, not of a medicinal nature.
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These substances are potentially poisonous if not used properly. Some of the
hospital admissions are the result of children drink in household chemicals while
playing inside the home, cleaning materials are often the biggest risk while in the
garden herbicides, pesticides and paint strippers are common culprits. Most
household chemicals cause problems especially when they are swallowed. These
become hazardous if they are ignitible, corrosive, explosive, toxic or radioactive.
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As a consumer, the habit of reading hazardous product labels id necessary.
The listed information below should be emphasised:
! 1. Common name or chemical name. i.e., sodium hypochlorite or bleach
2. Amount or volume of contents. i.e., 250mL
3. Signal word. i.e., Danger, Poison, Warning or Caution
4. Instructions for safe handling and use. i.e., recommended amount to use
5. Name and address of manufacturer, distributor, packet or seller
6. Description of Hazard and Precautions. i.e., irritant to skin and eyes,
harmful if swallowed
7. First aid instructions, when necessary or appropriate. i.e., if swallowed
feed milk
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Prevention of poisoning from household substances will start from the
selection of right product during the time of purchase. Second, how to use the
product safely matters. Handle the product carefully to avoid spills and splashing.
To avoid inhaling the fumes, the product should be used in well-ventilated areas. If
pregnant, avoid toxic chemical exposure as much as possible. Many toxic products
have not been tested for their effect on unborn infants. Third, proper storage and
conditions of household products should be observed. Following simply what is
indicated in its label will ensure safely. Generally hazardous products should be
stored on high shelves or in locked cabinets out of reach of children and animals
and never stored in food or beverage containers.
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Statistics shows that poisoning from household products is the most common
cause of nonfatal accidents in the home. In fact, according to the American
Association of Poison Control Centers, 93 percent of possible poisonings take place
at home. Common sources of household poison include: cleaning products, lead,
pesticides, prescription medications.
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The ten most dangerous household products are: Antifreeze, Bleach, Drain
Cleaner, Furniture polish, Gasoline, Insecticide, Iron-containing vitamins, Medicine,
Nail polish remover, Windshield wiper fluid.
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Symptoms of poisoning vary depending on several factors, including the type
and severity of the case and condition of the individual. Some general symptoms
include: burns around the mouth , general pain in the body, loss of consciousness,
trouble breathing and vomiting.
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III. Materials:
Mothballs, Racumin, Baygon insecticidal spray
5 labels of different household chemicals
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IV. Procedures:
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1. Bring sample labels of the following: antiseptics, disinfectant, servants,
caustics, camphor, hydrocarbon-containing products.
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2. Paste each label and examine carefully. Note the following information:
a. active ingredient
b. trade name
c. manufacturer’s name
d. uses
e. toxic effects
f. antidotes/ management
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3. Case Analysis:
A 4-year old previously healthy child ingests a 100 mL bottle containing
a clear liquid he found under the kitchen sinks at home. The child is
observed to develop central nervous system depression over the next 6
hours. Acidosis is documented on admission to the hospital. Three weeks
later, it is noted that the child’s visual acuity is markedly decreased. What
 chemical substance was most likely present in the liquid ingested by this
child?
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Identify the suspected poisonous/toxic substance; describe its
physicochemical properties, mechanism of toxicity, treatment procedures/
antidote.
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4. Examine the different substances given below in terms of its chemical
composition, mechanism of toxicity, uses, toxic effects and antidotes
a. Moth balls
b. Racumin
c. Baygon spray
d. Pesticides containing organophosphorus and carbamates
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Name: ________________________________ Score: _____________
Year and section: _______________________ Date: ______________
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ANSWER SHEET FOR EXERCISE NO. 6
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Observation/Results/Conclusion
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1. Labels of Household Chemicals
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SAMPLE LABEL 1 INFORMATION
a. active ingredient

b. trade name

c. manufacturer’s name

d. uses

e. toxic effects

f. antidotes

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SAMPLE LABEL 2 INFORMATION
a. active ingredient

b. trade name

c. manufacturer’s name

d. uses

e. toxic effects

f. antidotes

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 SAMPLE LABEL 3 INFORMATION
a. active ingredient

b. trade name

c. manufacturer’s name

d. uses

e. toxic effects

f. antidotes

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SAMPLE LABEL 4 INFORMATION
a. active ingredient

b. trade name

c. manufacturer’s name

d. uses

e. toxic effects

f. antidotes

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 SAMPLE LABEL 5 INFORMATION
a. active ingredient

b. trade name

c. manufacturer’s name

d. uses

e. toxic effects

f. antidotes

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2. Case Analysis
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Suspected Chemical: _______________________________________________________
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Physico-chemical Properties: ________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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Mechanism of Toxicity: ______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Toxicity: ____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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Management/ Treatment/ Procedures/ Antidote: ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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3. Evaluation of Household Poisons
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A. Moth Balls
a. Chemical Composition:
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b. Mechanism of Toxicity:
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c. Uses:
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d. Toxic Effects:
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e. Antidotes:
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 B. Racumin
a. Chemical Composition:
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b. Mechanism of Toxicity:
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c. Uses:
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d. Toxic Effects:
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e. Antidotes:
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C. Baygon
a. Chemical Composition:
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b. Mechanism of Toxicity:
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c. Uses:
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d. Toxic Effects:
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e. Antidotes:
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D. Pesticides containing Organophosphate Compounds and Carbamates
a. Chemical Composition:
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b. Mechanism of Toxicity:
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c. Uses:
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d. Toxic Effects:
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e. Antidotes:
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Questions to Answer:
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1. Differentiate the signs and symptoms associated with toxic alcohol exposures:
ethylene glycol, isopropanol and methanol.
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2. What are the active chemicals found in the following cosmetics?
a. cold wave lotion
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b. face powder
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c. temporary and permanent hair dyes
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d. cuticle remover
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e. hair spray
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3. List down at least 5 examples of representative activated charcoal products for
treatment of poisoning and provide description for each of the product.
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4. List down at least 5 examples of hazardous substances found in your kitchen/
laundry area, toilet/bathroom, garage/basement storage.
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5. Household insecticides are mainly carbamates and pyrethrum compounds.
Organophosphates are usually involved in significant poisonings while carbamates
produce similar but less severe effects. Differentiate the clinical manifestations of
muscarinic and nicotinic effects as a result of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase.