Alcohol is not only found in beverages like beer and spirits. You can also find it in the usual household item!
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Although the alcohol levels in these products are regulated, they can still lead to serious problems such as alcohol poisoning if consumed in large doses by people and pets.
Stomach pain, dizziness, and slow breathing are some of the most common symptoms of alcohol poisoning. They may appear immediately after you eat them, or they may take a few hours to be visible. Because these symptoms can occur with other illnesses, knowing what household products that contain alcohol can help you use them safely and help you identify when potential alcohol poisoning has occurred.
Rubbing alcohol
Also known as isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol is a versatile household item. It is included in most first aid kits as an antiseptic for disinfecting tweezers or cleaning small cuts. However, you shouldn't use it on large areas of skin or to clean wounds and more severe injuries. Alcohol can also be used at home as an all-round cleaner to remove dirt and grime and to disinfect surfaces. The use of rubbing alcohol as a hand sanitizer also increased with the onset of the global pandemic. The use of alcohol allows for good hand hygiene when hand washing is not an option.
To be effective, hands and surfaces must be wetted with alcohol for 30 seconds. You may need to do this a couple of times as alcohol evaporates quickly. Also, never mix rubbing alcohol with bleach because it can create a dangerous chemical called chloroform. Chloroform can damage the liver, kidneys, brain, heart, and bone marrow.
Since it is a colorless liquid, rubbing alcohol can be mistaken for water, especially by small children. To avoid this, make sure you have the Dangers of drinking alcohol by reading the safety label and avoiding taking them out of their original containers.
Mouthwash
The alcohol in mouthwash helps clear out bacteria that cause bad breath. To make the taste more pleasant, many types of mouthwash contain additional flavorings. Because of this, some children find mouthwash appealing and drink it – which can lead to poisoning. It's best to keep your mouthwash somewhere out of the reach of young children, such as a tall shelf or your medicine cabinet. You can also buy mouthwashes with child-resistant closures that your children cannot easily open and that secure the closure after each use.
Perfume
In contrast to liqueurs, the alcohol content in many colognes and perfumes is around 50 to 99 percent to help the perfume oils spread. Manufacturers use denatured alcohol to make them taste terrible and to deter adults and children from consuming these items. Although it is rare for someone to abuse fragrance products, there have been reports of them. If you suspect someone in your home is abusing perfume, seek professional help immediately.
Cough Syrup
Many cough syrups are sold as over-the-counter medications used to treat symptoms of the common cold or flu. Usually, cough syrups contain 10 to 40 percent alcohol. To avoid poisoning and alcohol poisoning, follow the dosage instructions on the label or seek advice from your doctor on proper and safe consumption.
Also, liquid cold and cough suppressants contain dextromethorphan (DXM), which is popular with teenagers who want a simple, affordable, euphoric feeling. Ingested in large quantities, DXM can cause hallucinations and cause serious side effects such as impaired consciousness and altered perception. If you live with a teen, warn them of the dangers of misusing OTC drugs. Some teens think they are safer to consume because they are sold legally. Take precautions at home, such as: B. to keep track of your medication and not buy additional OTC medication just to stock up. Don't let your kids keep OTC medication in the bedroom or backpack, and remember to responsibly use all kinds of medication yourself.
Disinfectant wipes
The alcohol in disinfectant wipes helps to clean surfaces and kill germs. Be sure to read the safety label before using the product. Wear gloves when using the wipes as some formulas can be harmful to the skin. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after touching the towels. To make sure the surface is sanitized, let it stay wet for two minutes. Rinse off the disinfectant after the exposure time has expired, especially if the surface comes into contact with food, to avoid accidental ingestion.
Multipurpose cleaner
Many all-purpose cleaners are also used to disinfect various surfaces, including the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Sometimes they are diluted with water to mop floors. They're also great for keeping countertops, faucets, and frequently touched surfaces clean longer. To be effective against bacteria and viruses, make sure the surface stays damp for 10 minutes before drying it off. If you are using multipurpose cleaners, keep the area you want to clean well ventilated by opening the windows. If you have pets, keep them in a different room while you mop and wipe the cleaner off surfaces they can reach.
Alcohol can be found in common household products. While they help keep you and your home clean, they can still be toxic if mixed with other chemicals or ingested in large quantities. You and your family can be at risk if you do not learn to use these products safely. Always check the safety label and use the products as directed. In the event of accidental consumption, seek medical help immediately.
