Is Your Home Poison-Free?
Of the millions of poisonings that happen each year in this country, about 90 percent of them happen in the perceived "safety" of our own homes.
Who's most at risk? Children under age 6. They were the victims in more than half of those poisonings. And the poisonous agents are often nothing more sinister-looking than cosmetics, detergents, medicines, even houseplants. Yet, left within the grasp of little fingers, they can be fatal.
Poison Prevention Tips
Act now to help avert this kind of tragedy in your home.
- Post the poison control number 1-800-222-1222 on or near every telephone.
- Never refer to medicine or vitamins as candy.
- Read labels before taking or giving medicine every time. Discard old medicines.
- Store medicines and household products in their original containers, locked away and out of reach.
- Use child-resistant packaging. Replace caps tightly after use.
- Know which household products are poisonous.
- Follow label directions for household products. Mixing some cleaners can release dangerous gases.
- Never leave a child alone or unattended in a room with a poisonous product.
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm.
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