Poison Proof Your Home
- "Poison Proof Your Home" is available in Portable Document Format (PDF, 332KB, 2pg.)
A poison is any substance that can cause harmful effects in the body. Millions of people are unintentionally poisoned every year, and children under the age of six are at the greatest risk. Keep all poisons including medications, cosmetics, household cleaners and chemicals, plants and other poisonous substances out of the reach of children.
- Read all labels and follow directions before using product.
- Store all poisonous substances out of the reach of children; in locked cabinets or in cabinets secured with safety latches (locks). Read all labels and follow directions before using product.
- Store all potentially poisonous substances in their original containers. Never put poisonous substances in old food containers.
- Always use child-resistant packaging. Be aware that children can and do open these containers.
- Don't flush unwanted household medications or pour them down the drain. Do not give drugs to anyone else. Return to collection events where available. It is recommended to check with the event organizers that they can accept medications for disposal. Or, you can mix with something undesirable (e.g. coffee grounds, cat litter, dirt). Tape up containers, toss in your garbage.
For more information go to: www.dontflushyourdrugs.net or http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/45189.html.
- Never call medicine candy. Never take medicine in front of children or allow them to play with medicine containers.
- Teach children not to touch or eat anything they don't recognize.
- If you suspect that a poisoning has occurred, call the poison control center nearest you. Do not follow antidote instructions on product labels without first contacting the poison control center.
If You Suspect A Poisoning Has Occurred
- Stay calm;
- Immediately call the poison control center and have the following information ready:
- *Condition, age and weight of the patient;
- *Product container or bottle that caused the poisoning;
- *Time that the poisoning occurred; and,
- *Your name and telephone number.
- Follow the instructions of the poison center.
Keep the Number for the Poison Control Center Near Every Telephone in Your Home.
- Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222
Common Household Poisons
- Cosmetics and personal care products
- Cleaning substances
- Cough and cold preparations
- Arts/Crafts/Office supplies