Rat poisons are commonly used in rural, urban and suburban areas to control the rat population. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these pesticides contain poisons that are harmful to adults, children and pets. In addition, the EPA urges extreme caution when handling rat poisons in the home and around children. Symptoms of rat poisoning include headaches, abnormal bleeding and digestive problems. In extreme amounts, rat poisoning can prove fatal .
Abnormal Bleeding
Ingredients in rat poisoning, such as warfarin, may cause abnormal bleeding. Typically used as an anticoagulant for human consumption, warfarin reduces the presence of active blood clots and prevents them from forming, according to "Chemical and Engineering News." Doctors primarily prescribe it to heart and stroke patients to prevent pending attacks. Anticoagulants, like warfarin, in rat poison may contribute to symptoms of external bleeding, pale gums, nosebleeds and bloody urine in humans exposed to the poison, reports Orkin.com. In addition, the risk of internal bleeding exists.
Digestive Problems
Arsenic, an ingredient occasionally found in rat poison, produces a substantial amount of symptoms upon human consumption, according to PoisoningSymptoms.com. Symptoms of arsenic indigestion include abdominal cramps, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and feces mixed with blood. In addition, arsenic sufferers may experience dizziness, headaches and extreme discomfort. If rat poisoning is suspected, is it advised to seek medical professional immediately, as symptoms may worsen.
Headaches
Due to the normal occurrence of headaches in humans, headaches are not always seen as a side effect of rat poisoning. However, persistent and severe headaches may indicate rat poison has been ingested. Arsenic contributes to increased risks of headaches and other severe symptoms when included in rat poison. According to the EPA, the toxicity level of rat poison poses significant risks to human health if left untreated. Upon physical examination, physicians are able to test and diagnose whether a person has ingested rat poisoning.
