Anything in your home can be toxic under the right circumstances--they are everyday poisons. But everything in your home can also be non-toxic, depending on the kind of exposure--this is why a commonsense approach is needed. Written by a poison specialist, this indispensable volume gives you accurate, up-to-date and truly useful information about the household products you use the most. More than just a first aid how-to guide, The Commonsense Guide to Everyday Poisons describes typical ingredients found in household products and explains what they are, where they come from and what they do. Historical and off-beat information is often included, as well as suggestions for DIY projects. Armed with this knowledge you can make informed decisions about the products you want in your home, and be prepared for the kind of accidental exposures that can happen at any time.
If I had had this book on hand when my kids were little we would have been spared two pointless trips to the emergency room with accompanying induced vomiting in both cases for my little darling. I would have known that what he ingested was non toxic, and the ER staff would have not pursued a CYA treatment. This guide includes chemical information, info on whether the substance is a risk by mouth, skin exposure, eye or inhalation, and when to seek medical intervention. Most of it was stuff I was slightly cognizant of, but there were a couple of shockers. For instance, tea tree oil can be very toxic to pets when applied to their skin, AND it begins to oxidize after about a year and becomes more toxic. It should be discarded. As I make my own laundry detergent and add a few drops of tea tree and lavender oils to each load, I learned something new. The guide also include many non or less toxic recipes for products you can make at home, including laundry detergent. I am keeping this book in an active file.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
Every family should own a copy of The Commonsense Guide to Everyday Poisons. It is an excellent reference for mouth, skin, eye and inhalation toxicities. A detailed index is provided to provide quick access in emergency situations. The common ingredients are explained that are found in many household items. The book also offers recipes using more natural ingredients that you can make on your own. I especially enjoyed the oven cleaning (p. 145) and floor cleaning recipes. (p. 93)
I discovered three mosquito deterrents. Run a fan to keep mosquitoes at bay. Tightly woven synthetic clothing helps protect against UV rays and makes it more difficult for mosquitoes to bite through. Light-colored clothing may also help. (p 61)
Make your own glow balloons. Inflate partially, insert an activated stick, and finish inflating. (p. 105)
Read about Elsie and Elmer Borden. No, not Lizzie thank goodness (p. 107)
Did you know that changes in Silly Putty’s formulation now prevent it from picking up cartoon images? (p. 133)
I also enjoyed the explanation of microfiber cloths and how they work. (p . 103)
Teddy Vincent Angert has written a book that is not only useful but entertaining. I recommend it.
I won a Kindle version in a Goodreads giveaway. Originally, I was planning only to glimpse at the content and use the book as an occasional reference guide. But I ended up reading it cover to cover. It is full of useful and interesting information about common household products, their chemical makeup, potential dangers of the toxins contained in them, advice on what to do in case of exposure, etc. I particularly enjoyed the historical tidbits and the DYI suggestions. I agree with one of the other reviewers that "every family should own a copy".
As a mother with young children, chemicals can be very tricky. We all do everything we can to prevent accidents, however they are always happening. Finally there is a quick guide to know what to expect and what to do when these accidents happen (without waiting on hold for doctors or poison control).
This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle Edition ebook.
The format did not translate well to my eReader, but I made do. I was able to read in on my phone and that may ultimately be the best place for me to keep a copy for quick reference. This book has a bit of a slant towards families with young children in a typical American household, which makes some sense since those little ones are the most likely to get themselves into trouble. I liked the way it presented the facts and cautions. The homemade alternative DIY's are a welcome addition. I can see occasionally needing to go back to this book for a quick reference check.