10 most dangerous items you might have in your home

Your home is supposed to be a safe haven, but can also be full of hidden dangers. Many everyday household items can pose a serious risk to your family’s health and safety, especially children.

Here is a list of 10 of the most dangerous common items you might find in your home:

Cleaning products: Cleaning products are often harsh and toxic, and can cause poisoning if ingested or inhaled. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, cleaning products are the leading cause of poisoning in children under 6.

Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be life-saving but extremely dangerous if misused. Overdosing on pills is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States.

Batteries: Batteries contain toxic chemicals that can be poisonous if swallowed. Children are particularly at risk for battery poisoning because they are more likely to put things in their mouths.

Button batteries: Button batteries are found in many electronic devices, such as remote controls, watches, and toys. They are particularly dangerous if swallowed because they can cause internal burns.

Magnets: Small magnets can be choking hazards for children. If two or more magnets are swallowed, they can stick together inside the digestive system and cause serious injuries.

Coins: Coins are another choking hazard for children. They can also lodge in the nose or ears, and require medical attention to remove.

Chemicals: Many common household chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides, and pool chemicals, can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. It is essential to store these chemicals safely and out of reach of children.

Sharp objects: Knives, scissors, and other sharp objects can cause severe cuts and injuries. It is important to keep sharp objects out of children's reach and use them carefully.

Electrical appliances: Electrical appliances can cause electrical shock, burns, and fires if used improperly. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for using electrical appliances and to keep them in good repair.

Furniture: Furniture can tip over and cause injuries, especially to children. It is vital to anchor furniture to the wall and to supervise children when they are around furniture.

It is easy to think accidents or injuries caused by everyday household items only happen to other people. However, you might be surprised by the statistics.

For example, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, in 2021, there were over 2 million calls to poison control centers related to cleaning products. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed over 67,000 emergency room visits for unintentional medication overdoses in children under 18. In the same year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission registered over 7,500 battery-related emergency room visits in children under 6.

These are just a few reasons to ensure all dangerous household items are stored properly and kept out of children's reach. Children should be taught safety precautions and what to avoid touching. With a few small steps, you can ensure your home is safe.