CDC reports higher incidences of accidental poisonings with cleaning products during pandemic

As Americans remain at home and hyper-vigilant about germs during the pandemic lockdown, poisonings related to home-cleaning products and disinfectants have skyrocketed over the passed several weeks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local poison control centers have experienced a 20% increase in calls related to cleaners and disinfectants during the first quarter of 2020.

Children under the age of 5 have been disproportionately affected by the hazards of increased home-cleaning practices.

Preschool-aged children are more likely to swallow hand sanitizers and brightly colored cleaning products they find around the house.

There have been reports of children swallowing ethanol-based products resulting in vomiting and high blood-alcohol levels.

Adults have also been impacted by the heightened awareness to germs potentially brought in from outside trips. One woman called her local poison control central after she filled her sink with a 10% bleach product, vinegar, and hot water in an attempt to sanitize her produce. The noxious concoction led to an ambulance ride and oxygen assistance at the hospital, in addition to broncho-dilators.

The CDC’s Morbidity and Morality Weekly Report concluded that users should “avoid mixing chemical products, wear eye and skin protection, ensure adequate ventilation, and store chemicals out of the reach of children.”