Raid and other household insecticides use pyrethrins, which are possibly dangerous if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Topical exposure causes itching, burning or numbness, while ingestion causes dizziness, headache and nausea. Large doses are extremely dangerous, as they may cause convulsions and loss of consciousness.
The primary ingredient in most household insecticides is a nerve agent that disrupts the insects' nervous system through direct contact. These substances can have the same effects on humans if enough of the agent enters the body. Minor exposures are quickly broken down by the metabolism and flushed out of the body, but repeated exposures can lead to the agent building up in fatty tissue and lead to more serious side effects.