| Posted May 7, 2014 | By Andy Russell, M.D. | Categorized under Families, Men's Health, Women's Health |

More cleaning and more cookouts usually mean more household chemicals being used inside and out.

Cleaning sprays, insect repellents and chlorine are a few of most common chemicals accidentally inhaled or ingested by young children and adolescents.       

Often times ingesting these chemicals isn't life-threatening and doesn't warrant a trip to the emergency department. Symptoms are typically minor such as shortness of breath, nausea or diarrhea.

If you're concerned, the first thing you need to do is call poison control at 800-222-1222. Trained professionals will be able to assist you over the phone. They may tell you to go to the nearest emergency department, but most likely a remedy can be found at home. Sometimes it's as simple as walking outside and taking deep breaths of fresh air, or washing your eyes with warm water. A call to poison control will take less time than getting everyone in the car to drive to the hospital.

Bug spray

When spraying children with insect repellent, make sure they look away to prevent the chemical from getting in their eyes, nose or mouth. Hold the nozzle close to their arms and legs. Spray just a few squirts on each arm and leg and then use your hands to spread it all over. When applying it to your child's face, squirt some into your hand first and wipe it on their cheeks and forehead.

Cleaning supplies

We all have them. A lot of them, in fact. It's almost as if we have one bottle of cleaner for every surface. One for windows, one for counters, one for the shower, one for floors, and one, well you get the point. With this many chemicals, it's easy to forget to put them away somewhere safe and out of our children's reach when we're done. If you store them under your sink, remember to secure the cabinet doors with a child-proof lock.

Medications

In addition to cleaning supplies and bug sprays, medicine is often left unattended and within reach of children. Make sure prescription bottles are well-labeled and kept out of reach and child-proof lids are secured properly. If medicine is accidentally ingested, call poison control immediately at 800-222-1222.