Natural products such as peppermint oil have many components. Menthol is the most abundant compound found in peppermint oil. Menthol can cause superficial irritation in small amounts and severe systemic symptoms in large amounts.
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There are many ways for drugs and personal care products to enter ground water and surface water, which include water that we drink and use for recreation. Federal guidelines for safe disposal of medicines aim to prevent unintentional poisonings, misuse and diversion of discarded drugs, and to keep drugs within engineered landfills, instead of in the water supply.
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Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening disease caused by certain bacteria. People who have open wounds, who have had recent surgery, or who have devices within their bodies may be at risk for toxic shock syndrome.
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Toothpaste usually contains fluoride. Swallowing it can cause an upset stomach. Although large amounts of fluoride can be toxic, small unintentional ingestions of over-the-counter, fluoride-containing toothpaste are unlikely to be toxic.
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Tea tree oil has been used as a "natural" remedy for a long time, especially for skin afflictions. There is very little scientific evidence that tea tree oil is effective for most skin conditions. It is poisonous if swallowed, so it should not be used in or around the mouth.
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Sunscreens are generally considered safe. The risk of an adverse effect varies depending on which active ingredients are in the product. Sunscreens can sometimes cause skin irritation, rash, and allergic contact dermatitis. Toxicity is low if accidentally swallowed, applied to the eyes, or inhaled. Sunscreen can be applied to children 6 months of age and older.
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Some shampoos are formulated to be mild enough for babies. Some contain medically active ingredients. Shampoo is a minimally toxic product when used on the hair and scalp, but can cause symptoms if swallowed or splashed in the eye.
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Povidone is found in both medical and household items and can cause mild symptoms with large ingestions. Povidone iodine is a common antiseptic used to disinfect the skin, eyes, and vagina. When used correctly, povidone iodine might cause mild side effects, but it can cause major problems when used incorrectly.
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Petroleum jelly, or petrolatum, is a common household product used in many medicated ointments. People also use it as a moisturizer. Petroleum jelly is generally considered nontoxic when consumed in small amounts but should not be applied to the eye or within the nose due to the risk of irritation or other side effects.
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Most fragrance products contain alcohol, which can cause serious effects in children. Fragrance products can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, which will usually go away if you stop using the product.
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