Household Products

Q: My child likes to eat his/her toothpaste. Is this dangerous?
A: The active ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride. There is not enough fluoride in a tube of toothpaste to cause serious toxicity. However, ingesting large amounts of toothpaste over a prolonged period of time can result in nausea and vomiting.

Q: What should I do with the mercury from a broken thermometer so no one gets poisoned?
A: If mercury is spilled and not cleaned up, it vaporizes. These fumes are poisonous if breathed. Any spilled mercury should be cleaned up immediately to prevent vaporization. Call the GPC for advice on cleaning up spilled mercury.

Q: Can mouthwash be dangerous?
A: Yes! All mouthwash contains alcohol in varying amounts. Mouthwash such as Listerine contain the highest percentage of alcohol. To a young child, even a small amount of alcohol can be deadly. It is possible for a child to drink a large amount of mouthwash because it tastes good. Keep all mouthwash and other hygiene products out of the sight and reach of children in a LOCKED cabinet.