Winter Poison Safety Tips
Learn more about poison safety at poisonhelp.hrsa.gov
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a leading cause of poison deaths. It causes hundreds of deaths every year, along with thousands of illness cases. It is a poisonous gas without color, odor, or taste. All fuel-burning devices make CO, but the risk is greatest when they are not working properly or are used in an unventilated area. Signs of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu and some cold-weather viruses, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. To reduce the risk of CO exposure, NEVER use a portable generator in an enclosed space like a garage or porch. Check CO detectors regularly (along with smoke detectors) and replace batteries as needed. Spring Poison Safety Tips Antifreeze is a poisonous liquid used in cars. Children and animals like its taste. It can be harmful if even a little is swallowed, causing kidney damage and even death. Keep antifreeze and all strong chemicals in their original containers and store them in a locked cabinet. Before throwing away antifreeze containers, rinse them with water and replace any safety caps. Place the container in the trash. Salt used on driveways and sidewalks can harm a pet or child. Store such salt with other poisons, out of reach and in a locked cabinet. Avoid using mercury thermometers, they can break in a child’s mouth. Use a digital thermometer to take a child’s temperature. Keep poisons in their original containers. Do not use food containers to store household cleaners or other strong chemicals. Store such products away from food; poisonings often occur when one item is mistaken for another. Never mix chemicals, such as cleaning products. Doing so can create a poisonous gas. Never sniff containers to see what’s inside. Turn on fans and open windows when using strong chemicals, always spray them away from people and pets. Even in small amounts, windshield wiper fluid is poisonous. If swallowed, it can cause blindness and death in people and pets. Pesticides can be extremely poisonous and can be taken in through the skin or inhaled. Wear protective clothing if applying pesticides, and stay away from areas that have been sprayed for at least one hour. Do not allow children and pets to eat wild mushrooms. Only an expert can distinguish between poisonous and safe mushrooms. When the time changes and we “spring forward,” remember to check smoke and CO detectors.
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