About this topic
Poisons are any products that can cause harm to the body. These agents can be in the form of liquids, creams, fumes, oils, or food. People who are exposed to poisons can feel ill, throw up, get skin burns, or pass out. ‚
Most exposures to poisons happen in the home and with children. It is very important to poison proof your home to avoid accidental poisonings. Some common household products that could cause harm include: ‚
- Cleaning supplies
- Drugs
- Gasoline
- Make-up
- Mouthwash
- Paint thinner
- Perfumes
- Pesticides
- Plants or flowers
General
Poison proof your home by following these steps: ‚
Placement and Storage ‚
- Keep chemicals properly sealed and stored. Close bottles tightly right after use. Keep them in closets with locks.
- Keep small objects and harmful household chemicals out of reach of children. Set up child safety locks.
- Keep harmful products in their original holder. Never move to water, milk, or lotion bottles.
- Do not store harmful products with food.
- Always keep garage doors locked.
- Keep chemicals that can make fumes in a well-ventilated room.
- If you have plants inside your house, keep them high and out of your childs reach.
When Buying Poisons ‚
- Buy chemicals that are in safety containers and spillproof bottles.
- Read all the labels and follow how to store them.
- Always check the expiration date of drugs.
For Your Family ‚
- Read all the labels and follow how to use them.
- Teach your children about the seal for poisonous substances (skull with a big red X). Tell them never to touch, smell, or taste them.
- Post emergency numbers near the phone or on the fridge door.
- Wear proper gear and clothing if you work with chemicals.
- Never put anything in your mouth when working with chemicals.
- Never call drugs candy. Your child might try to get some when you are not looking.
- Clean or wipe spilled chemicals off the floor right away. Use gloves while cleaning.
- Throw away unused or out-dated drugs by finding a take-back program. Ask your local pharmacy.
What will the results be?
Your home will be poison-free. You will be able to keep accidental poisonings from happening. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
In case of accidental poisoning: ‚
- Stay calm
- Call the poison control center right away and follow what they tell you to do.
- If the poison came in contact with your skin, remove the clothes that touched the poison and wash your skin with running water.
- Do not give water, milk, or any fluids to someone who might have swallowed a harmful substance.
What problems could happen?
- Shock
- Skin or eye burns
- Breathing problems
- Injury to the throat, belly, or bowels
- Blood problems
- Kidney problems
When do I need to call the doctor?
- A chemical spills on your skin
- You or other family members swallow something that may be harmful
- You think your child swallowed something that may be harmful
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Poison Control Centers ‚
http://www.aapcc.org/prevention/home/ ‚
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ‚
http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/roombyroom-checklist.htm ‚
World Health Organization ‚
http://www.who.int/gho/phe/chemical_safety/poisons_centres/en/index.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚