A poison is any substance that is harmful to your body. You might swallow it, inhale it, inject it, or absorb it through your skin. Any substance can be poisonous if too much is taken. Poisons can include

• Prescription or over-the-counter medicines taken in doses that are too high
• Overdoses of illegal drugs
• Carbon monoxide from gas appliances
• Household products, such as laundry powder or furniture polish
• Pesticides
• Indoor or outdoor plants
• Metals such as lead and mercury

The effects of poisoning range from short-term illness to brain damage, coma, and death. To prevent poisoning it is important to use and store products exactly as their labels say. Keep dangerous products where children can't get to them. Treatment for poisoning depends on the type of poison. If you suspect someone has been poisoned, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

What is a poison?

A poison is anything that can harm someone if it is:

• Used in the wrong way
• Used by the wrong person
• Used in the wrong amount

Some poisons may be harmful if they come into direct contact with your eyes or skin. Others may be toxic if you breathe them or swallow them. Poisons can come in four forms: solids (such as pain medicine pills or tablets), liquids (such as household cleaners, including bleach), sprays (such as spray cleaners), and gases (such as carbon monoxide, or CO).

Most consumer products are safe if label directions are followed, but some can be poisonous if used incorrectly. Visit Prevention Tips for a list of different poisons and what you can do to avoid them.

What are the different forms of poison?

Poison comes in four forms: solids (such as medicine pills or tablets), liquids (such as household cleaners including bleach), sprays (such as spray cleaners), and gases (such as carbon monoxide).

Examples of poisons include:

• Alcohol
• Carbon monoxide (CO) gas
• Medicines, such as prescription (painkillers, iron pills), over-the-counter (cough and cold medicines), and illegal drugs (cocaine, heroin)
• Food supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal products
• Personal care products, such as nail polish and nail polish remover, cologne, aftershave, deodorant, mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, makeup, soap, contact lens solution, lotion, baby oil, and diaper rash products
• Household and automotive chemicals or products, including bleach, laundry or dish detergent, furniture polish, cleanser, drain and toilet bowl cleaner, antifreeze, gasoline, paint, varnish, bug and weed killers
• Other household items (batteries, lighter fluid, alcohol, cigarettes)
• Plants, including many house plants, outdoor plants, and mushrooms
• Bites and stings, including scorpion, wasp, and bee stings, as well as snake and spider bites
• Hazardous chemicals at work and in the environment

What does a poisoned person look like?

A poisoned person may or may not look, act, or feel sick. If you think someone has been poisoned, right away call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. Do not wait for signs of poisoning.

Why are so many poisonings related to children under age 6?

Children under age 6 are carefree and learn by exploring the world around them. What children see and can reach, they often put in their mouths. Parents and other caregivers should teach children not to put objects in their mouths.

Who is at risk?

You may think that poisoning affects only a certain group of people—such as young children or older adults. This, however, is not true. Anyone, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, or career, can be poisoned. Poisonings happen more often than you think.

In 2008, 2.5 million people called a poison center because someone had been exposed to a poison. Children under age six accounted for half of all human poison exposures reported to poison centers. However, adults are also at risk. That year, more than three-quarters of all poisoning deaths reported to poison centers occurred among people ages 20 to 59.

What are the risks throughout life?

Certain kinds of poisonings are common among specific age groups. For example, older adults specifically need to be aware of the poisoning risks involved with taking prescription medications. Children are commonly poisoned through painkillers, cosmetics, personal care or cleaning products, pest killers, and plants. Preteens through older adults are commonly poisoned through herbal products, prescription drugs, alcohol, over-the-counter medicines, and spoiled food.

People of all ages may be stung by a bee, splashed with a chemical, or exposed to carbon monoxide in their homes. People also may use a cleaning product without gloves.

For more information on how poisonings can affect everyone, refer to the What You Can Do section.

If you think someone has been poisoned, right away call the toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, which connects you to your local poison center.

If someone may have been poisoned, call the toll-free Poison Help line (1‑800‑222‑1222), which connects you to your local poison center, to speak with a poison expert right away. This expert can give you advice on first aid and may save you from a visit to the emergency room.

Below is a checklist to help you in the event of a poisoning.

First steps

• If the person is not breathing, call 911.
• If the person inhaled poison, get him or her fresh air right away.
• If the person has poison on the skin, take off any clothing the poison touched. Rinse skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
• If the person has poison in the eyes, rinse eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Do not use activated charcoal when you think someone may have been poisoned.

Calling Poison Help

• Do not wait for signs of poisoning before calling Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
• Stay calm. Not all medicines, chemicals, or household products are poisonous. Not all contact with poison results in poisoning.
• Make sure to have the container of the product you think caused the poisoning nearby. The label has important information.

Be ready (if you can) to tell the expert on the phone:

• The exposed person’s age and weight
• Known health conditions or problems
• The product involved
• How the product contacted the person (for example, by mouth, by inhaling, through the skin, or through the eyes)
• How long ago the poison contacted the person
• What first aid has already been given
• Whether the person has vomited
• Your exact location and how long it would take you to get to a hospital

Help prevent poisonings

• Learn how to poison proof your home and reduce the risk of poisonings.
• Talk about poisons so others know what to do, too.
• Follow these winter, spring, summer, and fall tips on how to prevent poisonings throughout the year and throughout a lifetime.
• Prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding your home of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

A poisoning may have occurred. What should I do?

Follow these basic steps at the first sign of a poisoning:

If the person inhaled poison

Get to fresh air right away. Call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

If the person has poison on the skin

Take off any clothing the poison touched. Rinse skin with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

If the person has poison in the eyes

Rinse eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

In some cases, you should not try to give first aid

If the person swallowed the wrong medicine or too much medicine: Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

What should I do if my child swallows something poisonous?

Right away call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. Every poisoning is different.

Treatment advice will depend on the type and amount of poison involved. The child’s age, weight, and medical history will affect treatment, too.

Should I use activated charcoal when I suspect someone has been poisoned?

No. Activated charcoal addresses certain poisons, but it is difficult to use. Your poison center will decide if activated charcoal should be used. The poison center may call a hospital to advise what type of treatment to use.

What should I do if I think someone has been poisoned?

Right away call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. A poison expert will tell you exactly what to do. If necessary, the poison center may stay on the phone with you while you get other help.

What is the Poison Help line?

The toll-free Poison Help line is 1-800-222-1222. When you call the number, you will reach specially trained poison experts at a poison center that serves your area. This number provides free and confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Interpretation services are available in 161 languages.

What should I do when I need to call for help?

When you call the Poison Help line, be ready to give information (listed below) to the expert on the phone. It is important to stay calm. Not all medicines and household products are poisonous. Not all contact with poison results in poisoning. When you call, make sure to have the container of the product you think caused the poisoning. The label has important information. When calling the Poison Help line, be ready (if you can) to tell the expert:

If medicine has been swallowed, do not give anything by mouth until you have talked to a Poison Help expert.

• The person’s age and weight
• Known health conditions or problems
• The product involved
• How the product contacted the person (for example, by mouth, by inhaling, through the skin, or through the eyes)
• How long ago the poison contacted the person
• What first aid has already been given
• Whether the person has vomited
• Your exact location and how long it would take you to get to a hospital
• Who will answer the phone when I call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222?

  An expert answers the phone at a local poison center. You will reach a pharmacist, nurse, doctor, or other poison expert. All of them have had special training to handle poison emergencies. Also, the person who answers will be an expert who specializes in the issues of your community. These experts are trusted by local doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and emergency workers. They offer the best information on poison-related questions and treatments.

What should I do if I think someone has been poisoned?

Right away call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. A poison expert will tell you exactly what to do. If necessary, the poison center may stay on the phone with you while you get other help.

Why should I call the Poison Help line?

Poison experts are available at poison centers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The call is free and confidential and can be translated into 161 languages. The Poison Help line is available in all 50 states. People usually get the help they need over the phone and do not have to go to a doctor or the hospital. When doctors and nurses have questions about poisons, they often call the poison centers, too.

Can I call the Poison Help line if I just have a question, not a poisoning emergency?

Yes. The Poison Help line can answer questions about poisons and also how to prevent them. The best way to prevent poisoning is to learn about poisoning risks before an emergency.

When is the Poison Help line the busiest?

The busiest times for poison centers are typically during the summer, when children are out of school, and during the evening, when families are at home. But remember, poison centers are prepared to handle calls at any time, on any day.

What is done with all the information I give the poison center?

Calling a poison center is confidential. When you call a poison center, they keep a written record of your information, which is entered into a chart. The poison expert who handles your call will also record treatment advice and information from follow-up calls.

How can I be prepared for an emergency?

If you are taking care of a child, keep the child’s health information on hand. Refer to the What You Can Do section to learn more about being prepared for a poison emergency.

Will the poison center call me to follow up?

If needed, the poison center will call you to make sure the problem was resolved. Poison center experts will know how many times to check on you, depending on the type of poison exposure and your overall health.

What type of person most often calls the Poison Help line?

Frequently, callers are individuals who are taking care of children under age six. However, Poison Help is an important resource for everyone of all ages, including health care providers.

Are caregivers of young children the only people who call the Poison Help line?

No. Poisoning can happen to anyone, of any age. Adults, including health care providers, may need the poison center’s help, for example, if they are splashed with a poison at work, or use a cleaning product without gloves. Also, the misuse of medicine (whether intentional or not) causes poisonings in teens and adults of all ages, including older adults. In fact, most deaths from poisoning happen in adults, not young children.

What should I do if I am stung by an insect?

Be careful around bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. Some people are allergic to these insect stings. To these people, a sting may cause serious problems and even death. If you have any of the following signs, go to a hospital immediately:

Remember that after a sting, the site will show redness and swelling. It may also be itchy and painful. If you are unsure if you have been stung, call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

• Hives
• Dizziness
• Breathing trouble
• Swelling around the eyes and mouth

What should I do if I am bitten by a snake?

If you or someone you know are bitten by a snake, right away call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. The experts at your poison center will help you determine if the snake is venomous. They will tell you what signs and symptoms to watch for. If the snake turns out not to be venomous, you will need to wash the wound, and possibly receive a tetanus booster shot.

What should I do if I am bitten by a spider?

The majority of spider and tick bites do not cause harm. But some spiders can cause harm. The most common of these are the female black widow and the brown recluse spiders. A bite from one of these spiders can cause serious problems in a child, an older adult, or a person in poor health. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a spider, call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, to find out more information.

What is carbon monoxide (CO) and where does it come from?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that is poisonous. It has no color or smell. Cars, appliances, furnaces, and gas dryers can give off CO.

How does CO poison people?

CO takes the place of oxygen in the blood. Without oxygen, the heart, lungs, brain, and other body parts cannot work properly. Signs of CO poisoning are similar to flu symptoms. They include upset stomach, tiredness, and headaches. If CO poisoning is not treated, it can cause seizures and even death.

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to CO?

Immediately go outside to get fresh air, and right away call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. If you feel better when you are out of your home and worse when you return, CO may be present. If you notice this, call 911. Have the fire department check for CO in your house. If CO is present, the source must be repaired before it is safe to return home.

What should I do if I think someone may have food poisoning?

If someone is unconscious or has trouble breathing, call 911.

Watch for signs of food poisoning. They include fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, to get help from a local poison expert.

What are some general tips on food safety?

Wash hands and counters before preparing all food.

Store food at the proper temperatures. Refrigerated foods cannot be left out at temperatures above 40 degrees F (5 degrees C).

Use clean utensils for cooking and serving.

Do not let food sit out at room temperature for more than two hours.

My child likes to eat toothpaste. Is this dangerous?

Toothpaste contains fluoride, which can be dangerous in large amounts. Usually there is not enough fluoride in a tube of toothpaste to cause a serious poisoning. However, you should teach your child that eating toothpaste is not safe. Eating too much toothpaste can cause both short- and long-term problems. If you think your child may have eaten toothpaste, to get advice call 1-800-222-1222, which connects you to your local poison center.

What should I do with the mercury from a broken thermometer?

When mercury is spilled, it gives off fumes. If not cleaned up, these fumes are poisonous if breathed in. Do not vacuum up the mercury. Call 1-800-222-1222, which connects you to your local poison center, for advice on cleaning up mercury.

Can mouthwash be dangerous?

Yes. Mouthwash often contains alcohol. To a young child, even a small amount of alcohol can be deadly. Also, many other personal care products contain alcohol (for example, germ killers for cleaning hands and acne treatment products). Keep all mouthwash and other personal care products out of reach of children.

Why is it dangerous to use drink containers to store household products and other chemicals?

Children and adults might think that products or other chemicals that are stored in drink containers are safe to drink. Drinking these products by mistake can be deadly.

Is the lead in paint dangerous to children?

It could be. In the past, paints contained high levels of lead, but in 1971, Congress set safety standards for lead in paint products. The standards apply to paints as well as coatings on toys and other items used by children.

Threats do, however, still exist from old buildings and products. Children can be poisoned by eating paint chips or breathing dust from old lead paint. During remodeling and renovation projects, workers and families face danger when improperly removing paint from older buildings. These types of projects are one of the major causes of lead poisoning in the home.

Be aware that toys made in countries outside the United States can contain unsafe amounts of lead. Doctors can test children for lead poisoning. Call 1-800-222-1222, which connects you to your local poison center, for advice if you are concerned.

I found some pills in an unlabeled bottle. How do I find out what they are?

Some poison centers can identify pills. Call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, or your local pharmacy for more information.

Is it dangerous to take expired medicine?

Yes—never take expired medicine. The expiration date is there for your protection.

How can I get rid of medicines safely?

Ask your local pharmacist how you can return unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs to pharmaceutical take-back locations for safe disposal.

Call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, for specific advice and take-back services available in your area.

If these programs are not available, take the medicines out of their original containers. Mix the drugs with an undesirable substance, such as kitty litter, and put them in waterproof containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags, to make sure that they are not used by other people or animals. Make sure to throw these containers in the trash.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners hold their National Prescription Take Back Day in late April and October. Visit their site for dates, times, event locations and year-round locations.

Are adults at risk when they use medicines?

Adults may have trouble reading labels, fail to follow instructions, or mix medicines and alcohol together. Some people may confuse one medicine for another. Others may take too much of a medicine.

What can people do to protect themselves from medicines that have been tampered with?

Most medicines come in packaging that prevents tampering. However, that does not mean it cannot happen. To protect yourself and your family from tampered medicines:

• Check the outer packaging. Look before you buy.
• Read the label. Over-the-counter medicines tell you on the label how to detect tampering.
• If you think there could be a problem with a drug or its package, show the store manager.
• Check the product inside after you open it. Look again before you take the product. If it looks strange, do not use it.
• Look for pills that are different from others in the package.
• Do not use any medicine from a package that has cuts, slices, tears or other marks.
• Never take medicine in the dark.
• Read the label and look at the medicine every time you take it.
  

How much DEET is harmful for children?

Most products that keep insects away contain DEET. DEET is safe if the right amount is used properly. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using products with no more than 6 to 10 percent DEET on children. Adults can safely use products with up to 30 percent DEET. Always read the label before using any bug repellent. Some products contain 100 percent DEET.

What should I do if I or someone I know eats wild mushrooms?

Immediately call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, because only experts can tell the difference between poisonous and safe mushrooms. Eating even a few bites of certain mushrooms can cause liver damage that can kill you, so call your poison center as soon as possible if someone has eaten one.

What should I do if I or someone I know eats wild berries?

Berries are often found on plants in the fall, and some can be poisonous. If you or someone you know ate one or more wild berries, right away call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. Poison center experts may not be able to identify the plant on the phone, so it is important before a poisoning occurs to learn the names of plants around your home.

What should I do if I come in contact with poisonous plants?

If you are allergic to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, touching it can cause blisters on your skin. Be sure that everyone in your family can identify these plants. Remember the phrase, "leaves of three, let it be."

If someone touches one of these plants, rinse right away with running water for at least five minutes. Poison center experts may not be able to identify other plants on the phone, so it is important before a poisoning occurs to learn the names of plants around your home. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, to find out more information.

What are some general tips on back-to-school and art supply safety?

Some art products are a mixture of chemicals. They can be dangerous if not used correctly. Make sure children use art products safely by reading and following directions.

Do not eat or drink while using art products.

Wash skin after contact with art products. Clean equipment. Wipe tables, desks, and counters.

Keep art products in the containers they came in.

More than 90 percent of the time, poisonings happen in people’s homes. The majority of these poisonings occur in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. That is why it is important to follow simple steps to prevent a poisoning from happening at home.

Teach your family to never touch or put anything in their mouths unless they know what it is. Below are additional tips on how to keep poisonous items safe in your home.

Medicines

• Keep all medicines, and potentially poisonous substances, in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children.
• Keep medicines in their original containers, properly labeled, and store them appropriately.
• Never share prescription medicines. If you are taking more than one drug at a time, check with your health care provider, pharmacist, or call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, to find out more about possible drug interactions.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. The best places for a CO detector are near bedrooms and close to furnaces.

Household products

• Household cleaners and disinfectants can make you sick when not used properly. Always follow the instructions on the product label to ensure safe and effective use.
• Bleach is especially toxic and should not be mixed with anything other than water.
• Keep all household cleaners and potentially poisonous substances in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children.
• Keep products in their original containers.
• Do not use food containers (such as cups or bottles) to store household cleaners and other chemicals or products.
• Keep all laundry products locked up, high, and out of the reach of children.
• Do not use bleach on food products.
• Avoid using household cleaners and disinfectants on hands or skin improperly.

Chemicals

• Keep all chemicals and potentially poisonous substances in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children.
• Keep antifreeze and all chemicals and household products in their original containers.
• Never mix household or chemical products together. Doing so can create a dangerous gas.

Back to school and art supplies

• Some art products are mixtures of chemicals. They can be dangerous if not used correctly. Make sure children use art products safely by reading and following directions.
• Do not eat or drink while using art products.
• Wash skin after contact with art products.
• Clean equipment. Wipe tables, desks, and counters.
• Keep art products in their original containers.

Food

• Wash fruits and vegetables with running water.
• Do not wash meat, poultry or eggs.
• Never use commercial cleaning products on food or food packaging.
• Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food.
• Wash hands and counters before preparing all food.
• Store food at the proper temperatures. Refrigerated foods should not be left out at temperatures above 40 degrees F (5 degrees C).
• Use clean utensils for cooking and serving.

Animals and insects

• Know what poisonous snakes live in your area and wear proper attire (boots, etc.) when hiking outdoors.
• Check the label on any insect repellent. Be aware that most contain DEET, which can be poisonous in large quantities.

Plants, mushrooms and berries

• Be sure that everyone in your family can identify poisonous mushrooms and plants.
• Call your local poison center to learn about common poisonous plants in your area.

The following tips are primarily for the winter season, but be aware of them all year round.

Many people think poinsettias and Christmas cacti are poisonous. They are not, but mistletoe should be kept where it cannot be reached by young children or pets. Here are some other dangers to watch out for in winter.

Antifreeze

• Antifreeze is a poisonous liquid used in cars. It has a sweet taste that children and animals like. If even a little is swallowed, it can be harmful and can cause kidney damage and death.
• Keep antifreeze, household cleaners, and all chemicals in the containers they came in with a tight cap and keep away from children and pets.
• Before throwing away an antifreeze container, rinse it with water, and replace the safety cap.

Snow salt

• Salt used on driveways and sidewalks in winter can harm a pet or child if eaten.
• Store such salt out of reach and in a locked cabinet.

Mercury

• Avoid using glass mercury thermometers. They can break in a child's mouth. Instead, use a digital thermometer.
• Stay with children when taking their temperature.
• Spilled mercury should be cleaned up properly as it is a hazardous waste. Call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, or your local health department for advice.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

• CO is a poisonous gas and has no color, odor, or taste. All fuel-burning devices make CO, mostly when they are not working properly or are not used in a ventilated space. CO can collect in closed areas.
• Sources of CO include gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas stoves, gas ovens, kerosene space heaters, wood and gas fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, power generators, and car engines.
• People at greatest risk for CO poisoning include pregnant women, infants, young children, older people, people with diseases that affect breathing, and people with heart disease.
• Signs of CO poisoning are similar to signs of the flu and some cold-weather viruses: Headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion.

To prevent CO poisoning in your home

• Have at least one CO detector in your home. The best places for a CO detector are near bedrooms and close to furnaces.
• Have your heating system, vents, and chimney checked every year by experts.
• Always follow product instructions for installing and repairing appliances that burn fuel.
• Never burn charcoal inside a house or garage.
• Never use a gas oven to heat a house or apartment or use unvented fuel-burning devices indoors.
• Never run a car in a closed garage.

The following tips are primarily for the spring season, but be aware of them all year round.

As you begin spring cleaning and work on the yard, follow these simple tips to keep your family safe.

Household cleaners and other products

• Keep household cleaners and potentially poisonous substances in the containers they came in.
• Do not use food containers (such as cups or bottles) to store household cleaners and other chemicals or products.
• Store strong chemicals away from food. Many poisonings occur when one product is mistaken for another.
• Read and follow the directions for use of products and their disposal. Do this before using the products. Follow the advice carefully.
• Never mix chemicals or household cleaners or detergents. Doing so can create a poisonous gas.
• Turn on fans and open windows when using chemicals or household cleaners.
• Never sniff containers to see what is inside.
• When spraying chemicals, direct spray nozzle away from people and pets.
• Discard old or outdated products. First aid advice on containers may be incorrect and outdated.
• Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) to double check first aid information.
• Even in small amounts, windshield wiper fluid is poisonous. If swallowed, it can cause blindness or death to people and pets. Use it carefully to avoid spraying it in someone’s face.
• Chemicals can burn the skin. Chlorine, drain openers, toilet cleaners, rust removers, and oven cleaners can cause such burns.
• Liquids made from petroleum, such as gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, paint thinner, baby oil, lamp oil, and furniture polish, are poisonous. Only use gas cans to properly carry and store gasoline.
• If these items are swallowed, they can easily get into the lungs. Even a small amount can cause breathing problems. The liquid coats the inside of the lungs and prevents oxygen from entering the bloodstream.
• Tell your children that they should ask a grown-up if they’re not sure if something is dangerous. Tell them to stay away from things used to clean the house, clothes or car.

Pesticides

• Pesticides (pest killers) can be taken in through the skin or inhaled and can be extremely poisonous. Even leather shoes and gloves do not offer full protection.
• Stay away from areas that have been sprayed until the spray has dried or for at least one hour.
• Wear protective clothing when using bug spray or other spray products. Put on a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, socks, shoes, and gloves. Remove and wash clothing after using chemicals.
• If pesticides are splashed onto the skin, rinse with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. If pesticide contacts clothing, take off the clothing before rinsing skin.
• Many garden chemicals are poisonous if swallowed or inhaled by children and adults.

Mushrooms

• Only experts can tell poisonous mushrooms from safe mushrooms.
• Poisonous mushrooms, called "death caps," often grow in yards and parks.
• Eating even a few bites of certain mushrooms can cause liver damage that can kill you.

The following tips are primarily for the summer season, but be aware of them all year round.

Summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors. However, it is important to remember that these favored months can bring an increase in the incidence of poisoning accidents for our children and others.

Food poisoning

• Always wash hands and counters before preparing food. Use clean utensils for cooking and serving.
• Store, cook, and reheat food at the proper temperatures.
• Refrigerated foods should not be left out at temperatures above 40 degrees F (5 degrees C). The following foods, and others, can quickly spoil and become unsafe: party platters, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, eggs, mayonnaise, and cooked vegetables.
• Do not let food sit out at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Wash hands, cutting boards, utensils, and dishes with hot, soapy water after handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood.
• Watch for signs of food poisoning. They include fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting.

Call for help

Remember, if you suspect that you or someone you know has been poisoned, immediately call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

Mushrooms

• Only experts can tell poisonous mushrooms from safe mushrooms.
• Poisonous mushrooms, called "death caps," often grow in yards and parks.
• Eating even a few bites of certain mushrooms can cause liver damage that can kill you.

Plants

• If you are allergic to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, touching it can cause blisters on your skin.
• If someone touches one of these plants, rinse right away with running water for at least five minutes.
• Unless you are a plant expert, do not pick your own foods to eat in the wild.
• Poison center experts may not be able to identify plants on the phone, so it is important before a poisoning occurs to learn the names of plants around your home.

Common poisonous plants

Insect bites

• Be alert to insects that may bite or sting, particularly bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. After a sting, the skin will show redness and swelling and may be itchy and painful.
• Insect stings may cause serious problems and even death for those who are allergic to them.
• Go to a hospital right away if you are stung and have any of these signs: hives, dizziness, breathing trouble, or swelling around eyes and mouth.

Snake bites

• If a poisonous snake bites you or someone you know, right away call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
• The experts at your poison center will determine if the snake is poisonous. They will tell you what signs to watch for and what to do.
• If the snake is not poisonous, you will need to wash the wound. Check with your doctor to find out if you need a tetanus booster shot.

Spider bites

• Most spider and tick bites do not cause harm, but there are some spiders that can cause illness in some people. Two common spiders that can harm you are the female black widow and the brown recluse. A bite from one of these spiders can cause serious problems in a child, an older adult, or a person in poor health, but rarely causes death.
• The female black widow is a black, shiny spider. It has a red or orange hourglass shape on its underside. Within two hours after being bitten by one, you may feel stomach pain, dizziness, and muscle stiffness. You may have trouble breathing.
• The brown recluse is a yellowish-tan to dark brown spider. It has a small body and long legs. The brown recluse has a dark violin shape on its body. Within 36 hours after being bitten, you may see or feel signs of poisoning. You may feel restless and have fever, chills, nausea, weakness, a rash, or joint pain. A blister or wound may develop at the bite site, possibly in the shaped of a bull's eye (a blister with rings around). If the wound worsens, see a doctor. Most likely you will not need antibiotics.
• States known to be home to the brown recluse are AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, NE, NM, OH, OK, SC, TN, and TX.

Insect spray or lotion

• Be sure to check the label on any insect repellent. Be aware that most contain DEET, which can be dangerous in large quantities.
• Have an adult apply repellent to children. When using repellent on a child, put a little on your own hands, then rub them on your child. Avoid the eyes and mouth, and use only a little around the ears.
• Use separate products when there is a need for insect spray and sunscreen.
• Follow the label instructions.
• Do not use sunscreen that contains DEET.
• Repeatedly applying a product with DEET can increase the risk of harmful effects.
• For most products, after returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
• Check the label of the product you are using for more advice.

Alcoholic drinks and products

• Alcohol can be a deadly poison for children because they are small and their livers are not fully developed. All of the following are dangerous for children: beer, wine, mixed drinks, other alcoholic beverages, facial cleaners, and mouthwash. Therefore, do not leave products containing alcohol where children can reach them.
• Alcohol will make a child sleepy. The child can develop low blood sugar. This can lead to seizures, coma, and death.
• Be alert at parties and gatherings. Children may find cups containing leftover alcohol within their reach.

Other poison risks to watch for

• Lighter fluid, gasoline, torch and lamp oils can be deadly if swallowed. Watch children closely at all times when these are being used.
• Use camp stoves, grills and generators outside, never inside buildings or tents.
• Inhaling chlorine products can irritate the respiratory system. Homeowners who have swimming pools should store pool chemicals in a safe and secure place, out of children’s reach.

The following tips are primarily for the fall season, but be aware of them all year round.

Kids are back in school. Cold and flu season is here. Holidays are just around the corner—be mindful of food safety concerns surrounding your family. Here are some other tips to help you prevent poisonings during this busy time of year.

Medicines

• Keep medicines, vitamins, diet supplements, and household products in the containers they came in (i.e., tight, possibly child-proof lids).
• Keep them locked up where children cannot see or reach them, particularly those medicines that taste, smell, or look like candy or drinks. Do this at home and when traveling.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking and be careful when taking multiple prescriptions.
• Be sure you are not using two or more products that contain the same drug.
• It’s common to overdose on the drug acetaminophen, so be extra careful.
• Read and follow directions and warnings on all labels before taking medicine.
• If you have questions about how to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist or call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, if you have a question after hours.
• Talk to your doctor before taking any food supplements (such as vitamins, minerals, or herbs).
• Never take medicine in the dark.
• Never take other people's prescription drugs. Take only those that are prescribed for you.
• Products, like medicine, that taste, smell, or look like candy or drinks may attract children. Be sure to keep these products out of sight. Keep them out of reach and locked up.
• Children learn by imitating adults. Children who see adults taking medicine will try to do the same thing.
• Do you have medicine you no longer need or that has expired? Get rid of medicines that have expired or are no longer needed. Ask your local pharmacist how you can return unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs to pharmaceutical take-back locations for safe disposal. If this is not available, take the unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs out of their original containers. Mix the drugs with an undesirable substance, such as kitty litter, and put them in waterproof containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags, to make sure that they are not found and used by people or animals. Throw these containers in the trash. Your poison center may have updated advice for your area, call 1-800-222-1222. The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners hold their National Prescription Take Back Day in late April and October. Visit the National Prescription Take Back Day site for dates, times, event locations and year-round locations.

Mushrooms

• Only experts can tell poisonous mushrooms from safe mushrooms.
• Eating even a few bites of certain mushrooms can cause liver damage that can kill you.
• Poisonous mushrooms, called "death caps," often grow in yards and parks.

Berries

• Berries may attract children. Some berries that can harm people do not harm birds and other animals.
• If you think someone ate berries from a plant, right away call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center. Poison center experts probably will not be able to identify the plant on the phone.
• A greenhouse or plant nursery can help identify your plants, so learn the names of the plants around your home just in case.

Back to school and art supplies

• Children often use art products (e.g., glue, paint, ink) at home, school, and day care. These art products are mixtures of chemicals. They can be dangerous if not used correctly, stored properly, or expired.
• Make sure children use art products safely by reading labels carefully, following the directions for safe use and disposal, and cleaning up tables, desks, and counters appropriately.
• Young children are likely to put pretty, colorful art products in their mouths. Additionally, if a product is splashed into the eyes or spilled onto skin, right away call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.
• Do not eat or drink while using art products.
• Never use products for painting skin unless the product says it is safe to do so.
• Never use products to decorate food unless the product says it is safe to do so.
• Keep art products in the containers they came in.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

• Fall is usually the time we turn on heaters and generators. Make sure your heating system is running smoothly and the carbon monoxide detector has fresh batteries.
• For more information on CO, refer to winter tips.

Poison is not a topic that people often talk about, but you should. The best way to prevent poisoning is to learn and talk about your risks before an emergency.

What to say

• Never call medicine "candy." This can be confusing to children.
• People use many products that they may not think of as poisons. Remind people that certain everyday products can be poisonous.
• Explain that some poisons, such as carbon monoxide, cannot be seen or smelled—but they are still dangerous.
• Make sure everyone knows what to do if a poisoning happens: Right away call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center.

When to talk about poison prevention

You can bring up the topic of poison prevention at any time: when you are eating dinner with your family, driving your children to soccer practice, speaking to older adults regarding their medicines, at parent-teacher meetings, and other community events. Here are some examples of times to talk about poisons.

At work

Remind colleagues who work outside about wearing protective clothing when using spray products. Talk to your human resources department about distributing information about poisons and how to protect yourself at work.

Health care providers

If you are a health care provider, use every patient's visit as an opportunity to educate about poison prevention. Remind patients that they should right away contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, which connects you to your local poison center, if they think someone may have been poisoned—even if they are not sure.

Ask patients at every visit about how they store their medications and whether they have a problem differentiating medicines.

Cleaning

During spring cleaning, encourage your family to turn on fans and open windows when using chemicals. Tell people in your home to keep all products in their original containers. Do not use food containers (such as cups or bottles) to store household cleaners and other chemicals or products.

Holidays

During holidays, remind children why it is important for an adult to check all Halloween treats before the eating them. Additionally, during the winter season, talk to your friends about keeping mistletoe in a place that cannot be reached by young children or pets.

National Poison Prevention Week

During National Poison Prevention Week (the third full week of March each year), partner with your local poison center to help educate your community about poisoning risks and what to do about them. Consider adding a link on your or your company’s website, personal blog, or Facebook page to highlight some general facts about poisoning that you have learned from this site.