August 20, 2026

As students head back to school, parents are busy filling backpacks with notebooks, folders, pencils, water bottles, and lunchboxes. But some everyday items commonly found in backpacks can pose a poisoning risk if they are used improperly or accidentally swallowed.

Before the first day of school, take a few minutes to look through your child's backpack and make sure it contains only what they need.

Backpack Items That Deserve a Second Look

Most school supplies are perfectly safe when used as intended. However, parents should pay extra attention to medications, hand sanitizer, button batteries, magnets, essential oils, squishy sensory toys, and other products that could be harmful if swallowed or misused.

Medications

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines should only be carried to school when necessary and according to your school's medication policy.

If your child needs medication during the school day:

  • Keep it in its original labeled container.
  • Follow your school's medication procedures.
  • Never send loose pills in a backpack.
  • Teach children never to share medications with classmates.

Even common medications like pain relievers or vitamins can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a great way to help reduce the spread of germs, but it should still be used appropriately.

Most hand sanitizers contain alcohol. Young children should use them under adult supervision whenever possible, and backpacks should be stored out of reach of younger siblings once they return home.

Button Batteries

Many students carry small electronics such as calculators, keychains, hearing devices, or other gadgets that use button batteries.

If swallowed, button batteries can cause serious injuries in as little as two hours.

If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, seek emergency medical care immediately and call the Iowa Poison Control Center for guidance.

High-Powered Magnets

Small, powerful magnets are sometimes found in desk toys, jewelry, or novelty items.

Swallowing more than one magnet can cause severe internal injuries because the magnets may attract each other through the intestines.

These items should never be carried or played with by young children.

Essential Oils

Some older students carry essential oils or roller bottles in their backpacks.

While many people use these products safely, essential oils can be toxic if swallowed and may also cause skin or eye irritation.

Store them securely and keep them out of reach of younger children.

Squishy Sensory Toys and Stress Balls

Squishy sensory toys and stress balls are popular with children and may easily find their way into school backpacks. While these toys are designed to be squeezed, problems can occur when they are bitten, punctured, or torn open.

The filling inside these toys varies by product. Even when a filling is described as "non-toxic," that does not mean it is intended to be swallowed or is completely risk-free.

Remind children not to bite or chew on squishy toys, and regularly check them for cracks, tears, or other damage. Damaged toys should be discarded.

Vape Products

Older students may encounter vape devices or nicotine products.

Nicotine can be extremely poisonous, especially to young children.

Parents should talk with teens about the dangers of nicotine exposure and make sure these products are never accessible to younger siblings.

Don't Forget About Younger Brothers and Sisters

Many poisonings happen after school.

When children get home, backpacks are often dropped on the floor, left by the door, or placed on a couch where curious toddlers can easily explore them.

If your family has younger children:

  • Store backpacks up high and out of reach.
  • Check backpacks regularly for medications or other potentially hazardous items.
  • Empty unnecessary items after school.
  • Teach older children to keep backpacks zipped when not in use.

When Should You Call the Iowa Poison Control Center?

Call right away if a child:

  • Swallows medication that was not prescribed for them.
  • Gets into hand sanitizer, essential oils, or the filling from a squishy sensory toy.
  • Swallows a button battery or magnet.
  • Eats an unknown substance found in a backpack.
  • Has any suspected poisoning or exposure.

You do not have to wait for symptoms to appear.

The Bottom Line

Backpacks carry more than school supplies. They can also contain items that become dangerous if used improperly, damaged, or accidentally swallowed.

Taking a few minutes to check your child's backpack before school starts can help prevent accidental poisonings and keep your family safe throughout the school year.

If you ever have a poison-related question, the Iowa Poison Control Center is just a phone call away.

Call 1-800-222-1222 anytime. Free. Confidential. Expert help 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe for kids to carry medicine in their backpack?

Only when necessary and according to your school's medication policy. Medicines should always remain in their original labeled containers and never be carried loose.

Are hand sanitizers poisonous?

Most hand sanitizers contain alcohol and can be harmful if swallowed, especially by young children.

What should I do if my child swallows a button battery?

Swallowing button batteries is a medical emergency, especially for young children. If you think your child may have swallowed a battery, call 911 right away or go to the nearest emergency room. Then call the Iowa Poison Control Center for further guidance. Do not try to make your child vomit.

Can essential oils be poisonous?

Yes. Some essential oils can cause poisoning if swallowed and may irritate the skin or eyes.

Are squishy sensory toys toxic if they break open?

The contents of squishy toys vary by product. While some fillings may be described as "non-toxic," they are not intended to be swallowed and may cause problems if they get into the mouth, eyes, or on the skin.

For More Information:

Call 1-800-222-1222 anytime. Free. Confidential. Expert help 24/7.

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