Poisoning Prevention

Poisonings can be prevented!

FACT: Anything can be poisonous in excessive amounts
Medications taken in their proper dose can be helpful, but an overdose can cause serious illness or death. Vitamins and minerals are essential to good health, but too many may be toxic. Anything can be dangerous if excess amounts are taken – even water!

FACT: We use poisons every day
Approximately 400 containers of potentially toxic substances enter the average home each year. Household products become potentially harmful when splashed in the eye, in the mouth or on the skin!

FACT: Some people are more at risk than others
Toddlers aren’t aware of all the things that can hurt them. They explore their world by putting things into their mouths. They will even eat things that taste and smell bad!

Top 5 poisons commonly ingested by children:

Household cleaners
Medications
Cosmetics and personal care products
Foreign bodies (coins, watch batteries)
Plants, berries and mushrooms

FACT: Poisons can be used safely.

Read the label. Always follow directions on the package.
Poisonings occur when the product is being used. Never leave potentially toxic products unattended if children are nearby.
Is it medicine? Call it medicine, not candy.
Take medicines where children can’t observe. Children learn by imitation.

FACT: Poisons can be stored safely.

Put child-resistant latches on cabinets containing non-food products.
Store poisons in cabinets away from food or drinks.
Keep products in their original container.
Remove poisonous house and yard plants. Determine the names of plants. Find out if plants are toxic by calling 1-800-222-1222.
Put the number for the poison center on your telephone, refrigerator, in your wallet, or even better- programmed into your phone to be ready in case of emergencies or questions.

Conduct a room-by-room survey for hazards.
Remove or lock up the products listed below.

Kitchen

Ammonia
Cigarettes/Chewing Tobacco
Cleaners: Oven/Drain/Surface/Dish
Detergents
Furniture Polish
Medicines/Vitamins/Herbal supplements
Alcoholic beverages
Plants

Bathroom

Air Fresheners
Cleaners:
Toilet Bowl/Sink/Shower
Cologne/Perfume
Hair Remover
Personal care products
First Aid Products
Medicines/Vitamins/herbal supplements
Mouthwash
Nail Polish/Remover
Rubbing Alcohol
Shaving Cream/After Shave Lotion

Garage

Antifreeze
Windshield Washer Fluid
Bug/Weed/Pest Killer
Fertilizer
Gasoline/Kerosene
Lighter Fluid
Mothballs
Paint/Paint Thinner
Pool Supplies
Turpentine