The most common chemicals are found in commercial products, pharmaceuticals and natural toxins (plants) available in the home and surroundings. Among the most dangerous household products are bleaches, strong detergents and oven cleaners containing sodium hydroxide. These when ingested, produce corrosion of the digestive tract. Inadvertent ingestion of a drain cleaner or crystallised caustic soda commonly found in the kitchen requires repeated surgery and years of rehabilitation. Kerosene is the most commonly ingested (and inhaled) product worldwide. Its inhalation may produce chemical pneumonitis, secondary infection and eventually, respiratory failure in children. The less toxic commonly ingested household products are window cleaners, stain removers, shampoo and cosmetic products. Children also get exposed to various pesticides, which are present in the home environment. In most of the houses, at least one pesticide product is stored in containers, which are well within the reach of young children. Exposure to pesticides can lead to headaches, dizziness, muscle twitching, weakness, tingling sensations, and nausea.

Poison Control Centres play a critical role in the identification, management and prevention of these types of exposure. Educating parents about preventive aspects and common precautions that ought to be taken is a very important role of the Poison Control Centre. These centers are thus in a position to play a potential "sentinel" role in children’s environmental health.

A Poison Control Centre is to be initiated soon at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Suresh Gupta, Consultant at the Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Toxicology is also working on poison prevention, knowledge and practices among pediatricians.

Between 1997-1999, a major screening program called "Project Lead Free" was carried out by The George Foundation (TGF), a non-governmental organization, to determine the blood lead levels among the population in seven major Indian cities (Bangalore, Kolkatta, Chennai, Vellore, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai). This study of over 15,000 children and 5,000 adults clearly indicated an environmental health crisis; it concluded that over 50 per cent of the children below the age of 12 years living in urban environments had unacceptable blood lead levels of 10 µg/dl or more. Further 14 per cent of the children in these cities have seriously elevated levels of lead of 20 µg/dl or more.

To inform, educate and communicate to the general public about this preventable environmental health hazard, The National Referral Center for Lead Poisoning in India (NRCLPI) was established as a joint project of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences (SJNAHS) and The George Foundation, both from Bangalore. Besides providing updated information on all aspects of lead poisoning, it offers blood lead testing facilites for samples received at the Centre from anywhere in India. NRCLPI also undertakes training of doctors and paramedics with regards to assessment and evaluation of lead poisoning, provides consultancy services and makes policy recommendations to the government for reduction and prevention of lead poisoning.