March is National Poison Prevention Month: 1-800-222-1222

EPA Pesticides: Health and Safety http://www.epa.gov/health/poisonprevention.htm

Every 13 seconds the poison control center receives a call that someone is being poisoned or exposed to poison. Out of this, 40% of these calls pertain to a child under 3 years old. More than 50% of the calls involving exposure are children under the age of 6 years old. Most of these incidents are with household chemicals and pesticides.

Here is a list of some household chemicals that should be locked up and out of reach from children:

Bath and kitchen disinfectants and sanitizers, including bleach

Household cleaning or maintenance products

Drain cleaners

Paints

Glues

Car products stored in your home:

Anti-freeze

Windshield washer fluids

Health or beauty care products

Medicine

Hair products

Nail products

Roach sprays and baits

Insect repellants

Rat and rodent poisons

Weed killers

Products to kill mold or mildew

Flea and tick

Shampoos

Powders

Dips for pets

Swimming pool chemicals

Important steps to help prevent poisoning in your home

Read the label first

Look for the Design for the Environment (DFE) label on products

Never leave the product alone or unattended

Use child resistant packaging

Never transfer the pesticide to a different container

Remove children, pets, and toys before applying

Never use illegal pesticides

For more information contact

Julia Jacobs Environmental Outreach

518-358-5937 ext: 126

Fax: 518-358-6252

SRMT Environment Division

Helping Build A Better Tomorrow