Chemical poisoning occurs when toxic substances and solvents enter the body and negatively affect the organ function. Chemicals that can cause poisoning include chlorine, disinfectants, heavy metals, herbicides, insecticides and petroleum products. When these substances are absorbed by the body, damage to the internal organs, especially in the liver, may occur.

Chemical poisoning is caused by the ingestion, inhalation or absorption of harmful substances by the body. The immune system senses the threatening nature of the substances and reacts by working to rid the body of the toxins, often harming internal organs in the process. People who are exposed to chemicals in the workplace and those who live near landfills or industrial installations are at an increased risk for chemical poisoning. Accidental ingestion of household chemicals or excessive amounts of medications can also lead to chemical poisoning.

• Avoiding eating contaminated fish, especially that which comes from known contaminated areas or a lot of big fish, such as shark, swordfish, or tuna, which tend to contain higher amounts of mercury than smaller fish. Pregnant women should not consume more than 7 oz of tuna per week. Mercury can cause brain damage in the developing fetus.
• Not painting or remodeling a home while pregnant or when the children are still small. Paint contains lead and cadmium that can harm developing fetus and cause learning disabilities in small children.
• Limiting use of chemicals inside the house as much as possible and instead using natural alternatives, such as baking soda (as cleaner, deodorizer), distilled white vinegar (as cleaner), essential oils (as fragrances), lemon juice (as cleaner), and liquid soaps (as detergents).
• Increasing ventilation inside the house.
• Considering installing tile or wood floors in new homes instead of new carpet.
• Having the house tested for radon.
• Eating organic foods. Otherwise, to better remove toxins, washing fruits and vegetables carefully before eating with a mild acid solution, such as diluted vinegar.
• Avoiding toxic chemical exposure as much as possible if pregnant.
• Keeping all medications, petroleum products, cleaning products locked and away from small children. Installing child-proof locks or gates to prevent children from finding poisons.
• Avoiding mixing up household cleaning products. Nontoxic chemicals when mixed together can release toxic gases or cause explosion.
• Keeping all chemicals in original containers, properly identified and stored away from foods.
• Only using chemicals in well–ventilated areas to avoid breathing in fumes. Using adequate skin, eye, and respiratory protection.
• Never putting household chemicals in food or beverage containers.
• Avoiding smoking or lighting a candle near household chemicals, such as cleaning solutions, hair spray, paints, or paint thinner or pesticides.
• Disposing all hazardous chemicals properly according to the manufacturer's instructions.