Detergents, which we commonly use to maintain hygiene in our homes, can cause serious health problems if accidentally swallowed or inhaled. Detergent poisoning is particularly dangerous for children and pets. Symptoms can appear quickly and require emergency intervention. In this article, we will discuss how you can recognize the signs of detergent poisoning and the precautions you should take to avoid such accidents.
Symptoms of Detergent Poisoning
Detergents are chemicals commonly used in household cleaning products and can cause poisoning if accidentally ingested, inhaled or in contact with the skin. Symptoms of detergent poisoning usually appear quickly and can lead to serious health problems.
Burning mouth and throat: Burning sensation in the mouth, throat and esophagus when swallowing.
Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.
Abdominal Pain: Severe abdominal pain may occur.
Breathing Problems: Cough, shortness of breath and wheezing if inhaled.
Eye Irritation and Vision Problems: Burning, watering and blurred vision on contact with eyes.
Skin Irritation and Burning: Skin contact may cause redness, burning and irritation.
Dizziness and Loss of Consciousness: In severe cases, dizziness, weakness and loss of consciousness may occur.
Ways to Prevent Detergent Poisoning
To prevent detergent poisoning, it is important to take some important precautions:
Read Product Labels: Carefully read the warnings and instructions for use on detergent labels.
Keep Away from Children: Keep detergents out of the reach of children and use child locks.
Use Protective Equipment: Avoid skin and eye contact by wearing gloves, masks and eye protection when cleaning.
Good Ventilation: Avoid breathing detergent vapors by keeping the area well ventilated during cleaning.
Do Not Mix Detergents: Avoid mixing different types of detergents as this can lead to dangerous chemical reactions.
Emergency Numbers: In case of suspected poisoning, seek medical attention immediately and have emergency numbers available.
