| Chemical poisoning is a major public health | | | | Indoor air pollution is caused by volatile chemicals. |
| concern; it is a condition in which the body is | | | | These are chemicals that evaporate at room |
| exposed to a potentially harmful chemical in an | | | | temperature. When we use products that contain |
| amount that causes symptoms, disease and/or | | | | these volatile substances, these chemicals are |
| damage to cells, organs and/or body systems. | | | | trapped inside our homes reaching to levels |
| It occurs when toxic substances and solvents | | | | thousands of times higher than the outdoor air. |
| enter the body and negatively affect organ | | | | Chronic exposure to polluted air may cause lung |
| function. Chemicals that can cause poisoning | | | | infections, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, |
| include chlorine, disinfectants, heavy metals, | | | | fatigue, depression, and memory loss. In addition, |
| herbicides, insecticides and petroleum products. | | | | they may cause damage to an unborn fetus and |
| When these substances are absorbed by the | | | | increase the risk of developing cancer. |
| body, damage to the internal organs, especially | | | | Facts |
| the liver, may occur | | | | # Chemical poisoning is defined as the accidental |
| Chemical poisoning is caused by the ingestion, | | | | or intentional ingestion of chemicals. |
| inhalation or absorption of harmful substances by | | | | Mild Poisoning |
| the body. The immune system senses the | | | | # Mild poisoning occurs when the body is exposed |
| threatening nature of the substances and reacts | | | | to small amounts of chemicals or substances that |
| by working to rid the body of the toxins, often | | | | do not have very severe repercussions. Pains and |
| harming internal organs in the process. | | | | body aches, such as headaches, soreness or |
| Household poisons because of the tremendous | | | | joints and even eye irritation, are common. |
| amounts of toxic chemicals that can be found | | | | Moderate Poisoning |
| inside the house, scientists now believe the home | | | | # Moderate poisoning has more serious |
| not the office or the freeway is the most | | | | symptoms that are thus more noticeable than |
| contaminated place of all. Any chemicals found | | | | mild cases of chemical poisoning. |
| inside the house can be accidentally ingested by | | | | Severe Poisoning |
| small children. Daily exposure to chemicals indoors | | | | # Severe poisoning is the most dangerous and |
| may also cause significant health risks. Major | | | | would require immediate medical attention. |
| chemical poisons inside home include volatile | | | | Symptoms of chemical poisoning |
| organic compounds, lead, radon, carbon monoxide, | | | | * Symptoms can vary considerably depending on |
| and those found in household cleaners and carpet. | | | | the chemical involved. |