This is just one of many scenarios that warrant a call to your local poison control center. America’s poison control centers offer 24/7 service from experts in poison exposure. If you suspect you or someone you know has been exposed to a poison, you should call the poison control number (1-800-222-1222).
Some of the most common household poisons include:
- medicines
- cleaning products
- plants
- arts and crafts/office supplies
- vitamins
- pesticides
- car maintenance fluids
- batteries
So, the question is, how do your protect your family from poisoning? Well the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) has a few tips to help answer that question:
- Keep all possible poisons (like those listed above) in high, hard to reach places where children cannot access them.
- Always store household chemicals and medicines in their original packaging. A Gatorade bottle full of antifreeze can look just like a bottle full of actual Gatorade.
- Never mix household cleaning products together. Doing this can cause chemical reactions that can result in dangerous and toxic fumes.
- Never take medicine in front of your children; kids love to imitate their parents.
- Call the poison control center immediately if you cannot find a button battery (those small round batteries that are common in watches and some toys). They can be easily swallowed and are potentially deadly if ingested.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector and check the batteries every six months.
- If you apply pesticide, make sure that all pets and children are removed from the area until it is safe to return.
- Always read the labels on medicines and never mix medicines and/or vitamins without first consulting with a physician or pharmacist.
- Post the poison control number (1-800-222-1222) on or near all home phones and program it into all cell phones.
By: Shawn McNally
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