Tag: poison

Did you know more than 90 percent of all poisonings happen at home? While children are affected the most, people of all ages can be harmed by poisoning. Here’s what to know to make your home safe.

Caring for cleaners

Do not mix household cleaners or other products. The chemicals in these products can create a toxic gas when mixed. Never mix bleach with ammonia products or other cleaners. Use only one product at a time.

Keep cleaners, chemicals, medicines, and anything that could be poisonous locked up and put away.

Mindful of medicines

Never share prescription medicines with anyone. The other person may not be able to safely take your medicine. Or, they could be taking another medicine that isn’t safe when mixed with yours. Make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows about all medicines you are taking.

Keep all medicines clearly labeled with the type of medicine and dosage. If you don’t understand your medicine or how much to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Don’t try to take medicines in the dark, because you could accidentally take the wrong one. Keep all medicines, even over-the-counter ones, put away and out of reach of children.

Battery safety

Treat batteries like poison. Keep them away from children.

The small, round “button” batteries are especially dangerous because they are easy for children to swallow. A swallowed battery can cause permanent damage to the throat and even death within just a couple of hours.

Beware of e-cigarettes

E-Cigarettes are shaped like cigarettes but they contain a small heater and battery. The “juice” used inside these devices contains high levels of nicotine. Even a tiny amount of the juice from e-cigarettes can cause poisoning in a child. It can cause seizures and even death.

Keep e-cigarettes away from children at all times. If you throw used e-cigarette juice in the trash, wrap it up and take it outside or someplace where a child cannot get to it.

Know the number

If you think you or someone else has been exposed to poison, call (800) 222-1222. This connects you to your local poison center. The call is free and confidential. They can tell you what to do next. Do not try to treat poisoning yourself with home remedies.