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 Poisons in the Home

Why it’s important:

* Poisoning is the No. 1 cause of injury related death in the U.S. (!!!)

* More than 90 percent of poisonings occur in the home.

* Anyone can be poisoned; it doesn’t matter a person’s age, race, ethnicity or career.

* The majority of poisonings happen to kids younger than 5 years old.

Tips to prevent poisoning:

* Be aware of what substances are poison-Here are just a few: Prescription medications; bath, kitchen & laundry disinfectants, sanitizers & bleach; mold or mildew killers; roach, ant or spider killers; insect repellants; rat or other rodent poisons; weed killers; flea & tick shampoos, powders & creams for pets; liquid nicotine; & swimming pool chemicals.

* Keep all potential poisons up high & out of the reach of children — preferably in a locked storage container. Set up safe storage areas for medications, household cleaners, & chemicals like antifreeze.

* Keep medications & vitamins out of the reach of children. Never call medicine “candy.”

* Keep foods & household products separated.

* Teach family & kids to never put anything in their mouths, unless they know it’s safe to ingest.

* Keep products in original containers. Do not use food storage containers to store poisonous substances (i.e. plant food in a drink bottle).

* Destroy old medications.

* Identify all household plants to determine if poisonous.

* Post the Poison Control Center phone number, 1-800-222-1222, near each phone in the home.

What do you do if you suspect someone has been poisoned?:

* Swallowed poison: Remove anything remaining in the mouth. If a person is able to swallow, give about 2 ounces of water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting.

* Poison in the eye: Gently flush the eye for 10 minutes using medium-warm water.

* Poison on the skin: Remove any contaminated clothing & rinse skin with large amounts of water for 10 minutes.

* Inhaled poison: Get fresh air as soon as possible.

* Call the Poison Control Center, 1-800-222-1222, immediately.