HOUSEHOLD POISONS

1. COMMON SALT:

Salt poisoning is an intoxication resulting from the excessive intake

of sodium (usually as sodium chloride) in either solid form or in solution (saline
water, including brine, brackish water, or seawater). Salt poisoning sufficient to
produce severe symptoms is rare, and lethal salt poisoning even rarer; the
median lethal dose of table salt is roughly 3g per kg of body weight. Early on, the
intoxicant will cause a strong feeling of thirst, followed by weakness, nausea, and
loss of appetite. More severe symptoms ensue, including confusion, muscle
twitching, and bleeding in or around the brain. Death results by the swelling of
the brain against the skull. (Normal serum sodium levels are 135 – 145 mEq/liter
(135- 145 mmol/L). Severe symptoms typically only occur when levels are above
160 mEq/L.) The human renal system actively regulates sodium chloride in the
blood within a very narrow range around 9 g/L (0.9% by weight).

2. CLEANING SUPPLIES AND HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONTAINING

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS):

 Aerosol spray products, including health, beauty and cleaning products;

 Air fresheners
 Chlorine bleach
 Detergent and dishwashing liquid
 Dry cleaning chemicals
 Rug and upholstery cleaners
 Furniture and floor polish
 Oven cleaners
 Never mix bleach or any bleach-containing product with any cleaner
containing ammonia. The gases created from this combination can lead
to chronic breathing problems and even death. Recent research has found
that even natural fragrances in cleaning products, particularly in air
fresheners, may react with high levels of ozone from indoor sources (for
example, from some air cleaning devices)or from outdoor air to
form formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, and dangerous fine
particles indoors. Ozone is a harmful, but invisible, gas that worsens
asthma and other lung diseases. Particles are also common air pollutants
that can worsen asthma and other lung diseases and risk heart attacks
and stroke. Both ozone and particles can be life-threatening.
3. PLASTIC FOOD CONTAINERS:

Many plastic containers are made from chemical including phthalates, which act
as endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDCs). Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are
a class of about 9,000 compounds that are used to make plastic products
resistant to water, stains and heat. They are called “forever chemicals” because
they do not naturally break down and can accumulate in humans. The chemicals
are linked to cancer, birth defects, liver disease, thyroid disease, plummeting
sperm counts, kidney disease, decreased immunity and a range of other serious
health problems. Studies suggest that the chemicals can leach from plastic
containers at high volumes.

4. NON-STICK PANS:

They contain trace amounts of a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA),

which has been shown to be carcinogenic in lab animals. At temperatures above
570°F (300°C), Teflon coatings on nonstick cookware start to break down,
releasing toxic chemicals into the air.
Inhaling these fumes may lead to polymer fume fever, also known as the Teflon
flu. Polymer fume fever consists of temporary, flu-like symptoms such as chills,
fever, headache and body aches. The onset occurs after 4- 10 hours of
exposure, and the condition usually resolves within 12- 48 hours. A small number
of case studies have also reported more serious side effects of exposure to
overheated Teflon, including lung damage. However, in all of the reported cases,
individuals were exposed to fumes from overcooked Teflon cookware at extreme
temperatures of at least 730°F (390°C), and were exposed for extended periods
of at least four hours.
While the health effects of overheated Teflon may be serious, using common-
sense cooking practices will help you avoid exposure.

5. AIR FRESHENERS:

They contain chemicals called phthalates which have been linked to reproductive
problems. Air fresheners are a source of indoor air pollution.
Air fresheners emit or cause the formation of numerous substances associated
with negative health effects like cancer, neurotoxicity, and effects from endocrine
disruption. Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, has been measured at high
levels. Levels were even higher when air quality was measured when multiple
products were used at the same time (cleaning products, air fresheners, and
perfume). High concentrations of VOCs have been measured in the emissions
from numerous air freshener types too, including sprays, plug-ins, solids, and
 more. Some indoor air pollutants associated with air fresheners aren’t
substances emitted directly from the air freshener. Instead, when primary
ingredients mix with ozone (a common indoor and outdoor pollutant), new
substances are created, which are called secondary pollutants. Some secondary
pollutants associated with air freshener use include: formaldehyde,
acetaldehyde, acetone, picric acid, and methyl vinyl ketone. These secondary
pollutants are also concerns for human health. Claims like “green” and “all
natural” on air freshener packaging do not have legal or regulatory status and are
usually marketing ploys.

6. PERFUMES:

It contains more than 300 chemicals in them. Irreversible damage to your health
caused by one-time use of perfume or cologne - so-called “perfume poisoning” -
is rare. But exposure to topical fragrances can trigger allergies, skin sensitivities,
and cause harm over time. While it can be scary for your child to ingest perfume,
it happens pretty frequently and most children recover just fine.
Symptoms that someone could be experiencing a serious reaction to a fragrance
product include:
 A spiking temperature
 Boils or large hives
 Drowsiness or a dip in energy
 Confusion
 Dizziness
 Nausea or vomiting
 Slurred speech
 Elevated heart rate

7. FABRIC PROTECTION SPRAYS:

Stain blockers create an invisible plastic barrier over the surface. This plastic
eventually wears off and is released in the home environment. Carpets, rugs,
upholstery, clothing, shoes, and other consumer products to which treatments
containing Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been applied become major
sources of exposure for infants and children via direct contact and incidental
indoor dust ingestion. Young children have been shown to ingest more soil and
dust than adults, due to greater hand-to-mouth transfer; this can result in higher
exposure to PFASs found in these contaminated environmental media.
Additionally, when the product is applied as an aerosol spray, it can be inhaled
and cause respiratory distress. There are multiple documented cases of users of
 PFAS-containing textile sprays being hospitalized with diagnoses of lung
damage.

8. CLEANING PRODUCTS:

Chemical ingredients like phthalates and chemical surfactants are harmful.

Chemical used in cleaning products are:
 Perchloroethylene is a chemical found commonly in fabric cleaners,
including those that dry clean clothes and pull food and beverages from
carpets. It’s a potential carcinogen and neurotoxin if inhaled consistently
over time, which can happen as you continually clean carpets or pick up
clothes fresh from the dry cleaner.
 Formaldehyde can be found in some heavy-duty cleansers. It has been
connected with the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a
neurodegenerative disease that slowly eliminates the brain’s ability to
control the body. It can also cause damage to the nervous system in
different ways than ALS does. In some cases, it can shift the balance of
chemicals in the brain, which may lead to depression, mood swings,
headaches, insomnia, irritability, and attention deficit.
 2-Butoxyethanol is a common ingredient in multi-purpose cleaners and
window sprays. You may recognize it by its sweet, slightly floral scent. It is
a glycol ether solvent that helps break down dirt and oil. Extended
exposure to 2-butoxyethanol can cause high-grade liver and kidney
damage, narcosis, and pulmonary edema.
 Ammonia works as a polisher and glass cleaner, and while it is highly
effective at leaving a streak-free shine, it also irritates human tissue. If you
have breathing problems, you’ll notice pain and discomfort quickly. If you
don’t, prolonged exposure will still affect you and can cause permanent
damage to your mucous membranes and cardiovascular system.
 Clog removers and drain cleaners are heavy duty. They use lye, or
sodium hydroxide, to corrode baked-in food and clumps of dried and
hardened hair and skin. Even mild contact with skin or inhalation can
cause severe reactions with sensitive areas. You may feel a burning
sensation in your throat or on your skin for days following use of sodium
hydroxide.

9. COSMETICS:

According to Environmental Working Group, a public health advocacy

organization, an average woman uses about 12 cosmetics while a man uses 6
per day. Synthetic cosmetics, along with other chemicals, are known to contain
triclosan which is known to alter hormone regulation. When a person uses
cosmetics, their skin absorbs chemicals, which can then enter the bloodstream.
People might also inhale powders or ingest some cosmetics — by using lip
products, for example.
 Talc may pose a health risk due to possible contamination with asbestos;
both talc and asbestos are natural minerals in the earth that often occur
close together. Asbestos is a known cancer-forming chemical and can
contaminate untested talc that manufacturers use in certain cosmetics.
 Some manufacturers add it to reduce the risk of contamination with
bacteria. Products that might contain triclosan include toothpastes,
antibacterial soaps, and body washes. High levels of triclosan may affect
thyroid hormones and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Research is also
currently looking into the long-term effects of triclosan on the development
of skin cancer.
 Cosmetic eye products that contain kohl may contain Trusted Source high
levels of lead, which is a harmful heavy metal for the body.
 Skin lighteners may contain mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal that is
harmful to the body. It may affect the nervous system, cause kidney
damage, and harm a developing fetus. Thimerosal is a preservative that
can appear in cosmetics and contains mercury.
 Phthalates are present in some nail polishes and hair sprays, as well as
the fragrances of many cleaning and cosmetic products. Phthalates can
unbalance hormones, particularly those that work alongside estrogen,
such as testosterone. According to a breast cancer charity, phthalates
may have a link with breast cancer. This is because certain changes in
estrogen levels can cause breast cancer to develop.
 Parabens may be present in makeup, moisturizers, hair products, and
shaving creams. Parabens can enter the body through the skin and mimic
estrogen. Although parabens will only act as a weak form of estrogen,
it could still be enough to cause breast cancer cells to grow. This is
because an imbalance of estrogen can sometimes trigger a certain type of
breast cancer called hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
 Formaldehyde, and chemicals that release formaldehyde over a certain
period of time, are present in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, shower gels,
nail polishes, and hair straightening products. Formaldehyde can
cause allergic reactions, as well as irritation to the eyes and respiratory
system.
 Toluene is present in some nail treatments and nail polishes. It is a solvent
that may be toxic to the brain, nervous system, and a developing fetus.
  Carbon black is present in mascaras, eye liners, and lipsticks, as it gives
these products their coloring. Carbon black is possibly carcinogenic to
humans.
 Benzophenone is a type of UV filter that may disrupt hormones and have
links with endometriosis.

10. ANTIPERSPIRANTS:

Many antiperspirants use aluminum-based compounds and other chemicals

which are absorbed in the sweat glands. Some aluminum free antiperspirants
also contain paraben and ingredients like PEG-8, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor
oil. In antiperspirants, aluminum salts are the ingredients that prevent sweating.
The salts need to dissolve to block sweat from forming on the surface of your
pores. Recent research published by the National Center for Biotechnology
Information suggests that frequent use of antiperspirants can cause aluminum to
accumulate in breast tissue.

11. SUNSCREEN WITH OXYBENZONE:

Research on animals suggests that chemical in some sunscreen, including

oxybenzone, may cause health problems when they penetrate the skin. The
safest sunscreens are made from minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium
dioxide, but they are very expensive. Aerosol spray sunscreens, which are
accidentally inhaled, contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, retinyl palmitate (a form of
Vitamin A) and fragrances.

12. HOUSEHOLD PLANTS:

Popular plants like Daffodils, Iris, Lily-of-the-valley, Ivy and Mistletoe are
poisonous when consumed. They contain toxins or dangerous chemicals to
protect themselves from insects and animals.

13. GAS FROM GAS OVENS, CAR, SPACE HEATERS, CHARCOAL GRILLS:

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas emitted from Gas

appliances when left on for too long or forgotten to turn them off. CO causes
sudden illness or death and is often detected when it is too late.

14. SWIMMING POOLS AND HOT TUBS:

 A perceptibly clean pool might also harbor cryptosporidium- a chlorine- resistant
parasite. It may be accidentally ingested and can lead to gastric disturbances.
Exposure to high amounts of chlorine, ammonia and bleaching products in the
swimming pool can cause serious affections. While being used for sanitation and
to prevent bacteria growth in the pool water, ingestion or inhalation of these
chemicals can put a significant amount of stress on the human body. Swimming
pool poisoning can cause painful symptoms throughout the body, like respiratory
issues, digestive system symptoms, and circulatory system damage.

The most common swimming pool poisoning symptoms are:

 Abdominal pain
 Blood in the stool
 Burning in the throat or esophagus
 Coughing
 Dyspnea
 Eyes and skin injuries
 Headache
 Low blood pressure
 Nausea
 Throat swelling
 Upper respiratory irritation
 Vomiting (sometimes blood)

15. TOOTHPASTES:

Accidental ingestion of toothpastes can lead to stomach pain and intestinal

blockage. As most recent toothpastes contain fluoride, it can cause convulsions,
dyspnoes and probably also a heart attack. Swallowing a large amount of regular
toothpaste may cause stomach pain and possible intestinal blockage.
These additional symptoms may occur when swallowing a large amount of
toothpaste containing fluoride:

 Convulsions
 Diarrhea
 Difficulty breathing
 Drooling
 Heart attack
 Salty or soapy taste in the mouth
  Slow heart rate
 Shock
 Tremors
 Vomiting
 Weakness

16. AIR CONDITIONERS:

A leak in the refrigerator or the Air Conditioner, leads to the leakage of Freon
which is a coolant substance. It transforms from a liquid to an odourless gas.
Over-inhalation of Freon can cause palpitations, seizures and dyspnoes leading
to death. Accidental poisoning is rare. Most cases of poisoning occur due to
intentional exposure when someone wants to get high, or they inhale the gas in
an enclosed space. Symptoms of mild to moderate refrigerant poisoning may
include:
 Headache
 Irritation of eyes, ears, and throat
 Dizziness
 Frostbite if exposed to quickly expanding gas or liquid coolant
 Vomiting
 Chemical burn on the skin
 Nausea
 Coughing

Severe refrigerant poisoning can cause symptoms, including:

 Vomiting blood
 Breathing difficulties
 Loss of consciousness
 Bleeding or fluid buildup in the lungs
 Seizure
 Feeling of the food pipe burning
 Irregular heartbeat
 Confusion
 Coma or sudden death

17. DETERGENTS:

Detergents are powerful cleaning products that may contain strong acids, alkalis,
or phosphates. Cationic detergents are often used as germ-killing cleansers
 (antiseptics) in hospitals. Anionic detergents are sometimes used to clean
carpeting. Detergent poisoning occurs when someone swallows cationic or
anionic detergents. The toxic ingredients present in the detergents are corrosive
acids, including benzalkonium chloride and simple soap.
These colourful detergents contain both laundry detergent and extra-stain
removing ingredients which are very toxic. Ingestion of a substantial amount of
detergents can lead to serious troubles like dyspnoea, vomiting, loss of
consciousness, throat swelling, drowsiness and death.

18. DISHWASHING DETERGENT PACKETS:

As these packets are colourful and resemble candy, they can be accidentally
ingested by children.
This detergent can cause throat swelling, severe throat pain, hypotension, severe
abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of vision and dyspnoea.

19. TOILET BOWL CLEANING TABLETS:

As the toilet bowl cleaning tablets look like wrapped candies, they can be
accidentally ingested by children. The detergents, alcohol and phenol in the
tablets can be dangerous if ingested. A small bite might not be harmful but
swallowing a whole tablet requires immediate medical attention. It may cause
Severe change in blood acid level, severe abdominal pain, throat pain, vomiting,
and loss of vision, seizures and coma.

20. MOTH BALLS:

Naphthalene is the most harmful chemical in mothballs. Naphthalene is a bicyclic

aromatic hydrocarbon. It causes lysis of red blood cells and affects the kidneys, if
ingested. It also causes headache, lethargy, vertigo, convulsions and cerebral
oedema and dizziness. It also causes gastrointestinal effects such as nausea,
vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. It causes renal affections by increasing
the creatinine levels, increasing serum urea- nitrogen level, hematuria, renal
tubular acidosis, etc. it affects the respiratory centres by causing acute
respiratory distress syndrome. It is also known to cause bilateral cataract on
prolonged exposure.

21. ASPIRIN:

It is one of the commonest drugs found in every household. Aspirin is a

registered trademark owned by Bayer. The generic term for Aspirin
 is acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). It is classified as a Non Steroidal Anti-
Inflammatory Drug. It is used for relieving pain, reducing inflammation and
lowering fever. The drug has been banned due to its links with Reye's syndrome.
Aspirin poisoning can also be accidental and was once the most common cause
of accidental poisoning of children. Safety precautions such as child-resistant
packaging have helped make it less common.
Inappropriate dosing in both children and elderly people is one of the reasons
accidental aspirin poisonings continue to happen. Hundreds of medications --
both over-the-counter and prescription medicines -- contain aspirin or aspirin-like
substances. Unintentional poisoning can result if these medications are taken in
combination, in inappropriate doses, or over a long time period. This is especially
likely to occur in older people with chronic health problems.
The earliest symptoms of acute aspirin poisoning may include:
 Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and impaired hearing.
 Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
 Vomiting
 Dehydration
 Fever
 Double vision
 Feeling faint
Later signs of aspirin poisoning, or signs of more significant poisoning, can
include:
 Drowsiness or confusion,
 Bizarre behavior,
 Unsteady walking
 Coma.
The abnormal breathing caused by aspirin poisoning is usually rapid and deep.
Vomiting may occur 3-8 hours after taking too much aspirin. Serious dehydration
may occur from hyperventilation, vomiting, and fever.

22. CAUSTIC SODA:

Its scientific name is Sodium hydroxide. It is a highly corrosive alkali. It is used in

cleaning toilets and unblocking sinks and drains.

23. CHALK/ SLATE PENCILS/ CALCIUM CARBONATE:

It is also one of the commonest commodities found in households. It is also

known as Limestone. It is obtained in powdered form or in the chalk stick form. It
is a common practice seen in women in the rural region to eat chalk sticks or
 slate pencils. Chalk is non-poisonous but if ingested in excessive amounts, it can
lead to constipation, abdominal discomfort, cough and dyspnoea.

24. GRAPHITE:

Graphite is a non-poisonous substance found in the Pencils. It is mildly toxic

when ingested. Despite common belief, pencils have never contained lead. All
pencils are made of graphite, which is a soft form of carbon. Carbon is a
completely different element than lead.
If symptoms do occur, they may include stomachache and vomiting, which could
be from a bowel obstruction (blockage).
The person may choke while swallowing the pencil. This can cause symptoms
such as repeated coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing.
Sometimes, children will place a piece of a pencil in their nose. This can cause
symptoms such as nose pain and drainage, and breathing problems. Infants may
become irritable.

25. COFFEE:

Coffee is one of the preferred beverages all around the world. Coffee is often
adulterated with coffee-flavoured mud, starch and scorched and powdered
tamarind, date seeds or tendu seeds. This leads to varied abdominal disorders
like diarrhea, giddiness and joint pains. In severe cases, it can lead to antibiotic
resistance, damage to nerves and cancer.

26. TEA:

Another popular beverage of choice is tea. Tea is also adulterated with iron
filings, exhausted tea leaves, coal tar dye, sawdust and sand. This can lead to
varied liver disorders, skin disorders and even lung cancer.

27. BOTTLED WATER:

Bottled water is also known to contain bromates and traces of arsenic and
cyanides. These substances are known carcinogens. The primary risk associated
with drinking bottled water is the fact that you can be exposed to harmful toxins
from the plastic. Even though water is not acidic (unlike soda), whenever you
drink out of a plastic bottle, you risk ingesting the chemicals used to make the
bottles as these toxins can leach into the water over time. This is particularly
common with older water bottles and/or those that have been exposed to heat.
 Bisphenol A and other plastic toxins can then make their way into your
bloodstream, which can cause a host of problems including various cancers as
well as liver and kidney damage.
One of the many problems with Bisphenol A is that it acts as a faux-estrogen,
and when consumed in water through leaching plastic it can cause a variety of
chromosomal abnormalities that have been tied to birth defects and
developmental disabilities in children. Exposure to the estrogen in Bisphenol A
can also cause decreased fertility in both men and women, and when children
are exposed to Bisphenol A while in the womb this can lead to complications
later in life such as hyperactivity disorders, early-onset puberty, and an increased
risk for certain cancers.

28. PRESERVED MILK:

Milk when is stored in cans and cartons for sale, it is mixed with various contents
to prolong its longevity. Antibiotics like gentamycin, pesticide like boric acid and
preservative like formalin are used which can be harmful for human consumption.
The majority of preservatives used today are artificial rather than natural. Several
of them are toxic and several others have potentially life-threatening side effects.
Researchers have reported that artificial preservatives such as nitrates,
benzoates, sulfites, sorbates, parabens, formaldehyde, BHT, BHA and several
others can cause serious health hazards such as hypersensitivity, allergy,
asthma, hyperactivity, neurological damage and cancer.

29. PAINTS:

Lead is primarily used in paints as pigment to impart colour. It is also added to

make paints more durable and corrosion resistant, and for speed drying. Lead
chromate (also called chrome yellow) and lead carbonate (also called white lead)
are widely used as pigment. Lead chromate is often used to make yellow orange,
red and green paints. Lead carbonate is a superior paint pigment used for its
opaque quality. Others pigments like red lead and blue lead impart corrosion
protection as well as colour to metal surface . Lead poisoning affects newborns,
children, adults and aged people.

30. HAND SANITIZERS:

While hand sanitizers can be dangerous if swallowed, actual symptoms from

their misuse are extremely rare.  Most children who get a “taste” or a “lick” of
hand sanitizer experience only mild symptoms. Hand sanitizer taste bad and can
 result in a burning sensation, so most children will not swallow an amount large
enough to produce symptoms.  However, there are children who will drink
anything, no matter how bad it tastes – and in those cases alcohol poisoning can
result.  The same thing can occur if mouthwash or perfume is swallowed.  The
bottom line is – hand sanitizers are beneficial for killing germs on hands and like
all potentially poisonous items, they should be stored out of the reach of children
and should be used according to the label.  Adults should monitor use of hand
sanitizer by children to ensure that the proper amount is used and that hands wet
with sanitizer are not put in the mouth.  Also, avoid buying large containers of
sanitizer.  If a child only has access to a small bottle (30mL or less), they are less
likely to ingest enough to result in harm.

31. SOAPS AND SHAMPOO:

Prolonged exposure to soap or household cleaning products can lead to

poisoning. The signs and symptoms of soap poisoning depend on:
 the product you came into contact with
 how you ingested the product
 how much contact you had with the product
Management:
 If soap gets in your eyes, you may experience eye redness, pain, loss of
vision, or have difficulty focusing because the chemicals may burn.
 If the soap or detergent comes in contact with your skin, you may develop
irritation, blisters, or even burns on the top layer of your skin.
 If you inhale fumes from soap products, you may have difficulty breathing
or experience swelling in your throat. Difficulty breathing or swallowing can
be life threatening.
If you swallowed the soap, pain or swelling in your throat and on your lips and
tongue may develop.
You may also:
 experience symptoms of gastrointestinal distress
 begin to vomit repeatedly, which may include vomiting blood
 experience abdominal pain
 have blood in your stool
Depending on the product you ingested, you may experience burns in your
esophagus.
If you have soap poisoning, you may have low blood pressure, or your heart rate
may drop rapidly

32. CEMENT AND LIME:

 Swallowing cement can cause burns of the lips, mouth, throat, and stomach.
Initial signs can include drooling, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting. In some
cases, cement can harden in the gastrointestinal tract and cause obstruction.
Inhaling cement dust can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

33. FERTILIZERS:

Plant fertilizers can poison people and pets if they are inhaled or accidentally
ingested. Touching the fertilizer may cause skin irritation, and ingesting it may be
poisonous. Nitrates are the ingredients that cause the poisoning.
Nitrates are a form of nitrogen that plants can easily absorb. Nitrogen is essential
for plant growth, but it can be very dangerous when present at high levels in
humans. Within our bodies, nitrates lower the ability of the red blood cells to carry
and deliver oxygen.
You may develop the following symptoms if you come into physical contact with
plant fertilizers:
 Skin redness
 Burning sensation on the skin
 Itchy skin
 Burning of the nose, eyes, or throat
You may experience these symptoms if you ingest plant fertilizers:
 Body parts (such as fingernails, lips, or hands) turn blue from lack of
oxygen
 Dizziness
 Fainting
 Low blood pressure
 Seizures
 Shortness of breath
 upset stomach or stomach pain

34. KEROSENE:

Kerosene is a hydrocarbon. It is used as a fuel for lamps, as well as heating

and cooking. Kerosene poisoning can cause symptoms in various parts of the
body.
 Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
 Throat swelling (may also cause breathing difficulty)
 Pain in eyes, ears, nose, and throat
 Vision loss
  Abdominal pain
 Bloody stools
 Burns of the oesophagus
 Vomiting, possibly with blood
 Collapse
 Low blood pressure- develops rapidly (shock)
 Convulsions (seizures)
 Coma (lack of responsiveness)
 Decreased alertness and responsiveness
 Depression
 Dizziness
 Drowsiness
 Feeling of being drunk (euphoria)
 Headache
 Staggering
 Generalized weakness
 Burns and irritation on the skin

35. HAIR DYES:

To achieve a permanent color, many hair dyes work using a system of ammonia
(or ethanolamines in the case of some ammonia-free products), hydrogen
peroxide, and p-phenylenediamine. The ammonia pulls apart layers of the hair’s
proteins, so that the dye can access the hair shaft. Next, hydrogen peroxide
bleaches the hair and helps p-phenylenediamine, one of the primary coloring
agents, to become trapped in the hair.
These common dye chemicals are associated with negative health effects.
Ammonia is a respiratory and asthma irritant, a potential endocrine disruptor, and
is persistent in the environment, meaning it sticks around. P-phenylenediamine is
associated with birth defects, skin irritation, liver and blood toxicity, and allergic
reaction. It is restricted for use in the European Union.
P-phenylenediamine is one of many coal-tar colors, which are derived from
petroleum. Coal-tar dyes have been associated with a number of health effects
like eye injury and allergic reactions. Coal tars themselves have been associated
with multiple forms of cancer, and some coal-tar dyes have been found to cause
cancer in animals. Despite these problems, unlike most color additives, coal-tar
dyes do not need approval from the FDA.
Many dyes can also contain toluene, a well-established neurotoxin, linked to birth
defects, pregnancy loss, and allergic reaction. They can also contain resorcinol,
 a chemical linked to endocrine disruption, meaning it impacts our body’s normal
hormonal functioning and signaling. Lead acetate, another common ingredient, is
linked to neurotoxicity. Conventional dyes can contain many other harmful
chemicals like DMDM hydantoin, methylisothiazolinone, and fragrance.

36. MOSQUITO REPELLANTS:

Currently a variety of mosquito repellents are marketed in India in the form of

mats, coils, lotions and vaporizers. These repellents use allethrin group of
compounds, herbs, oils or Diethyl-toluamide (DEET). The protection provided by
these repellents generally lasts for 2 to 4 hours. The mode of action of Mosquito
repellants is as follows:
 The main site of action of the pyrethroids is the sodium channel, which is
kept open for long periods of time, causing prolonged sodium current to
flow, leading to hyper-excitation of the nervous system.
 Synthetic pyrethroids, e.g. Allethrin cause subnormal or super-normal
excitability by affecting the sodium channel opening time.
 Mosquito coils also contain Aromatic and Aliphatic hydrocarbons, which
are combustion products of wood dust, fillers and dyes in the mats.
 Allethrin used in the mats increased blood brain barrier (BBB)
permeability, suggesting a delayed maturity of BBB and biochemical
changes causing health risks, especially at an early age in life.
 D-transallethrin, through hormonal pathways, may contribute to
reproductive dysfunction, development impairment and cancer.
 While the emission from the burning of incense sticks, used commonly
during religious occasions in India, is toxic as it contains lead, iron and
manganese, he said the pesticide ‘pyrethrin’ in mosquito coils is harmful
for the lungs.
 The no-smoke coils may have less particulate matter, but they emit a high
level of carbon monoxide, which is unsafe for the lungs.
 Inhaling smoke emitted by mosquito coils and incense sticks is not only
harmful to the lungs, but can also cause cancer.

37. COPPER OXIDE:

Copper toxicity is a type of metal poisoning caused by an excess of copper in the

body. Copperiedus can occur from eating acidic foods cooked in uncoated
copper cookware, an IUD, or from exposure to excess copper in drinking water
and other environmental sources. Acute exposure and attendant copper toxicity
 is possible when cooking or storing highly acidic foods in unlined copper vessels
for extended periods, or by exposing foodstuffs to reactive copper salts (copper
corrosion, or verdigris). Continuous, small ("chronic") exposures of acidic foods
to copper may also result in toxicity in cases where either surface area
interaction potentials are significant, pH is exceptionally low and concentrated (in
the case of cooking with, for example, vinegar or wine), or both, and insufficient
time elapses between exposures for normal homeostatic elimination of excess
copper. The Median Lethal Dose of Copper is 1.3 mg/l.

38. METAL POLISH:

Metal polishes are used to clean all metals, brass, copper, or silver. Accidental
swallowing of metallic polishes can cause toxicity. The poisonous ingredients
found in metal polishes are ammonia and hydrocarbons, which are substances
that contain only hydrogen and carbon.
Metal polish poisoning can cause symptoms in many parts of the body.
 Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
 Throat swelling (may also cause breathing difficulty)
 Severe pain or burning in the throat, mouth area, nose, eyes, or ears
 Vision loss
 Abdominal pain -- severe
 Bloody stools
 Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)
 Vomiting, possibly with blood
 Collapse
 Low blood pressure -- develops rapidly (shock)
 Coma (decreased level of consciousness and lack of responsiveness)
 Convulsions
 Dizziness
 Drowsiness
 Headache
 Nervousness
 Staggering
 Stupor (decreased awareness, sleepiness, confusion)
 Weakness
 Burns
 Irritation
 Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues
39. PESTICIDES:

A pesticide poisoning occurs when pesticides, chemicals intended to control

a pest, affect non-target organisms such as humans, wildlife, plant, or bees.
There are three types of pesticide poisoning. The first of the three is a single and
short-term very high level of exposure which can be experienced by individuals
who commit suicide, as well as pesticide formulators. The second type of
poisoning is long-term high-level exposure, which can occur in pesticide
formulators and manufacturers. The third type of poisoning is a long-term low-
level exposure, which individuals are exposed to from sources such as pesticide
residues in food as well as contact with pesticide residues in the air, water, soil,
sediment, food materials, plants and animals. The most common exposure
scenarios for pesticide-poisoning cases are accidental or suicidal poisonings.
Most cases of intentional pesticide poisoning appear to be impulsive acts
undertaken during stressful events, and the availability of pesticides strongly
influences the incidence of self-poisoning. Pesticides are the agents most
frequently used by farmers and students in India to commit suicide. Exposure
can occur through inhalation of pesticide fumes, and often occurs in settings
including greenhouse spraying operations and other closed environments like
tractor cabs or while operating rotary fan mist sprayers in facilities or locations
with poor ventilation systems. Workers in other industries are at risk for exposure
as well.

40. SHOE POLISH:

Shoe polish is a mixture of waxes, dyes, and solvents (sometimes to dissolve the
ingredients), sold as solid wax, cream, or liquid. It is applied to clean, dry shoes
to preserve shoe leather, restore the color, and produce a shine. Chemicals in
shoe polish such as petroleum, naphtha, turpentine, and dyes can cause
symptoms if left on the skin or inhaled into the lungs. The best practice is to wear
protective gloves while applying shoe cream and to use it in a well-ventilated
area in order to minimize exposure to the chemicals. Be sure to wash your hands
well after polishing shoes. Accidental ingestion of shoe polish can lead to:
 Abdominal discomfort
 Staining of the skin with prolonged contact
 Throat irritation and coughing
 Eye irritation

41. CAR WAX:

Car wax contains ingredients like hydrocarbons, n-alkanes, Terpinolene. These
substances are toxic and can be fatal if swallowed. It can also be a threat if it
gains entry in the airways via inhalation. They may also cause drowsiness or
dizziness. Most of the ingredients are flammable and hence are risky with
respect to causing fire. These substances, when decomposed release hazardous
products like carbon monoxide and fumes.