Rat poisons, also known as rodenticides, are commonly used in urban, suburban and rural areas to control the rat population. These pesticides contain poisons that can be harmful to children, adults and pets, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes. The EPA urges caution when handling rat poison and advises that it be kept away from children. Ingestion of rat poison can lead to a variety of symptoms, including headaches, abnormal bleeding and digestive problems.
Headaches
The website PoisoningSymptoms.com notes that headaches by themselves do not rouse suspicion of poisoning due to how often headaches occur in humans. However, headaches may indicate a poisoning situation if rat poison has been ingested. Arsenic, a very toxic substance, poses great risks if ingested. This common ingredient in rat poison can lead to any number of symptoms, including a headache.
Abnormal Bleeding
Warfarin, a major ingredient in rat poison, may cause abnormal bleeding. Used as an anticoagulant drug for humans, warfarin prevents blood clots from forming and reduces the presence and size of active clots, according to "Chemical and Engineering News." Physicians prescribe it to heart patients and others for preventing strokes. The Orkin.com website warns that anticoagulants, like warfarin, in rat poison may cause external bleeding, pale gums, bloody urine, bloody stools and nosebleeds in humans exposed to the poison. The risk of internal bleeding also exists.
Digestive Problems
According to PoisoningSymptoms.com, arsenic, an ingredient sometimes found in rat poison, when ingested by humans may produce symptoms of involving digestive problems, including cramps in the abdomen, combined with excessive sweating, nausea and uncontrollable vomiting, diarrhea and feces mixed with blood. Contact a physician if rat poisoning occurs as symptoms may worsen.
