Home is a safe haven for all of us, but small mistakes and carelessness can turn it into a dangerous place. Pesticides, rodenticides, and household cleaning products can cause irreparable health damage if accidentally ingested. It's crucial to understand the dangers associated with these substances and explore alternative methods for handling pests and cleaning.

Rats and porcupines are not confined to villages; they roam freely even in cities. Various types of rodenticides are available to combat these pests, which pose a disease risk. These rodenticides come in forms like powder, paste, pellets, cereal baits, or blocks. Unfortunately, accidental ingestion is common, especially in households with children. Inhaling poisonous gases from these substances can also be hazardous. Yellow or white phosphorus, used in fertilizers, fireworks, ammunition, and rodenticides, emits a garlic-like odor and poses significant risks.

Phosphorus Hazard
Yellow phosphorus in rat poison is rapidly absorbed once ingested, damaging the liver, kidneys, digestive tract, and cardiovascular system. As little as 8 grams can be fatal. Symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can occur within 24 hours of exposure. In the second stage, symptoms may disappear for one to four days. In the third stage, the condition becomes fatal with multiple organ failures, including mental disturbances like confusion, psychosis, hallucinations, and coma. There is no antidote for yellow phosphorus poisoning, but treatment includes decontamination and supportive therapies. Gastric lavage with potassium permanganate solution or saline is used to flush out toxins and prevent further absorption. After treatment, patients should be monitored in an ICU, with daily checks on liver and kidney functions.

Paracetamol Overdose
Consuming large amounts of paracetamol can cause severe liver toxicity. For adults, 7.5 to 10 grams, and for children aged one to six years, 150 to 200 mg per kg of body weight, are dangerous doses. Symptoms like loss of appetite, vomiting, and dizziness appear within 24 hours. Within 48 hours, abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice, hypoglycemia, and liver and kidney damage can occur. Doctors treat these cases by removing the pills from the stomach.


Other Household Hazards
Nail polish, bathroom cleaners like Harpic, and other toxic chemicals contain substances such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalates, which can damage the liver and kidneys. Children may accidentally ingest these cleaners, leading to severe digestive system damage, vomiting, diarrhea, and ischemic shock to the liver. Other dangerous items include bathroom cleaning acids, phenol, and ant medicines in the form of chalk.

Safety Measures
1. Matches and Lighters: Keep matches away from children and reduce their use. Use electronic lighters for lighting stoves.
2. Fireworks: Avoid inhaling smoke from fireworks. Choose fireworks that emit less smoke, and wear a double-layer mask when handling them.
3. Fertilizers: Store fertilizers in locked rooms to prevent accidental ingestion, especially in homes with children or individuals with mental health issues.
4. Rodenticides: Keep rodenticides locked away from children and adults. Purchase in small quantities and use them immediately. Dispose of empty containers promptly. Avoid discarding leftover rodenticides on the ground.
5. Alternative Pest Control: Use bone and glue traps instead of rat poison to minimize risks.

By following these precautions and opting for safer alternatives, we can maintain a secure and healthy home environment.