Safety Tips for Spring Cleaning

Medical professionals at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center want to make sure that families and children stay safe this spring while participating in spring cleaning.

Monday, April 07, 2014

Different chemicals in cleaning products can be dangerous if they are ingested or come into contact with skin. It is important to take precaution when using cleaning products to prevent an accidental poisoning.

“It is vital that people arm themselves with basic information on poison prevention in the home, such as keeping chemicals out of the reach of children and carefully reading the labels and dosages on all products,” said Earl Siegel, PharmD,, Managing Director, Drug and Poison Information Center.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services gives the following tips for preventing accidents during spring cleaning:

• Keep chemicals in their original bottles or containers. Do not use food containers such as cups, bottles, or jars to store chemicals such as cleaning solutions.
• Turn on fans and open windows when using chemicals or household cleaners, and never sniff containers to see what is inside.
• Wear protective clothing (gloves, long sleeves, long pants, socks, shoes) if you spray pesticides or other chemicals. Stay away from areas that have been sprayed until the spray has dried or for at least one hour.
• Never mix household or chemical products together. Doing so can create a dangerous gas.
• Be sure to read all labels before you get started.
• Many household cleaners and chemicals can be poisonous when swallowed. Be sure to lock them up out of the reach and sight of children, preferably in a high cabinet.
• If you’re aiming to clear out your medicine cabinet, be sure to keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of your children while you’re working.

In case of a poison emergency please call 1-800-222-1222 immediately. This national hotline connects callers directly to their local poison center.

About Cincinnati Children’s

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center ranks third in the nation among all Honor Roll hospitals in U.S. News and World Report’s 2013 Best Children’s Hospitals ranking. It is ranked #1 for cancer and in the top 10 for nine of 10 pediatric specialties. Cincinnati Children’s, a non-profit organization, is one of the top three recipients of pediatric research grants from the National Institutes of Health, and a research and teaching affiliate of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The medical center is internationally recognized for improving child health and transforming delivery of care through fully integrated, globally recognized research, education and innovation. Additional information can be found at www.cincinnatichildrens.org. Connect on the Cincinnati Children’s blog, via Facebook and on Twitter.