Common classroom items can become unexpected poisoning hazards.
As the school year begins, teachers and parents stock up on supplies like hand sanitizer, art materials, lunch packs, and even medications. While these items are meant to help kids thrive, improper storage or use can lead to accidental poison exposures, especially among young children.
From brightly colored markers to sweet-smelling sanitizers, what looks safe may carry hidden risks. The Missouri Poison Center is here to help you spot and prevent these dangers in your classroom and beyond.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common school-related poison concerns:
Art and School Supplies
Markers, glue, and paint may seem harmless, but they’re a common source of poison center calls.
Children may put art and school supplies in their mouths, lick fingers after using glue, or even sip water used for rinsing paintbrushes. Older students might chew on pen caps or break markers during use. Fortunately, most products have very low toxicity and cause only minor irritation or no symptoms. Still, exposures can occur, and supervision is crucial. Always follow label instructions and store supplies safely. For product-specific safety guidance, visit our “Is This a Poison?” tool.
Lunch Boxes
Safe lunches aren’t just about nutrition; they’re also about poison prevention and temperature control.
Cold items, such as yogurt or deli meat, must be kept at a safe temperature using chilled freezer packs. Hot foods should be stored in a sealed, insulated thermos, and any uneaten portions should be discarded at the end of the day.
And don’t forget the hidden hazards, many new lunch bags come with silica gel packets. While non-toxic, they can pose a choking risk for younger children and should always be removed before use.
Hand Sanitizer
Helpful for hygiene, but not without risks.
Hand sanitizer is everywhere in schools, from backpack keychains to classroom pumps. While effective in preventing germs, accidental ingestion is a common occurrence, especially among younger children.
Most sanitizers contain alcohol. Swallowing a small amount usually isn’t harmful, but larger amounts can cause alcohol poisoning. Teach children how to use it properly and supervise them to ensure safe use.
Medication Safety
At school, medication safety goes beyond just taking the right pill; it’s about preventing mix-ups, overdoses, and misuse.
The Poison Center often receives calls about children who accidentally receive a double dose, once at home and again at school.
To reduce risks:
Always provide a complete list of medications and their corresponding dosages to the school.
Teach children never to share or take someone else’s medicine.
Use original containers and dosing devices.
Remind teens to follow directions and avoid misuse.
Check our blog on how to prevent medication errors at school for a complete list of instructions on what to provide to school staff about your child’s medication.
Infromation provided by the Missouri poison center at Back to School: Poison Safety Tips for Teachers and Parents 🍎
