Your Safety: Poisons and Harmful Substances
Preventing a Harmful Exposure
Guide for proper disposal and alternatives for household hazardous products
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Your Safety: Poisons and Harmful Substances Samaritan Regional Poison Control Center: 602-253-3334 Phoenix Fire Department Special Operations Division: 602-256-3435 Preventing a Harmful ExposureKeep all harmful substances out of sight and reach and do not store them under the sink. "Childproof" caps are not childproof. They can be opened, given a child's remarkable resources and ability to explore.Install safety locks on all medicine cabinets, drawers and cupboards where harmful substances are stored. These substances include:
Teach toddlers and young children to "always ask first" before touching or sampling something new. Never leave children alone with a harmful substance that the adult is using. Store household chemicals away from food to prevent contamination. Keep cleaning products and medications out of the kitchen. Many senior citizens request their prescription medicines not be packaged in "childproof" bottles. Special precautions should be taken in households where young children and senior citizens live together. Do not take medications in front of children. They may wish to mimic you, especially if the medication is designed to make you "feel better." Never tell a child medicine tastes like candy. Keep all medications in their original bottles. When taking or giving medicines at night, turn on a light to see what is being administered. Be sure all medicines, cosmetics and personal care products are stored out of children's reach and not in nightstands or on dresser tops. Dispose of old medications by following the EPA's recommendation. "Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs out of their original containers and throw the containers in the trash. Mixing prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and putting them in impermeable, nondescript containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags, will further ensure the drugs are not diverted." Other items, such as shampoo and mouthwash should be stored away from children because of their attractive smells and high alcohol content. A key should be kept available outside the bathroom if the door has a lock on it. Visitors to the home should use the same care in preventing harmful substance exposures. Suitcases should not be left open for children to explore. After adults have a party, all smoking materials including butts and ashes should be extinguished and discarded. All unfinished alcoholic beverages should be poured down the drain. Tobacco products and alcoholic drinks, even in small amounts, are dangerous to children and pets. The garage and storage areas can contain weed killer, fertilizer, window cleaner, car wax, paint products, pool chemicals, antifreeze and other harmful substances. Place them out of a child's reach and store them in their original, labeled container. When a chemical container is empty, rinse it out with water and replace the cap before throwing it away in a covered trash can. Know the names of the plants in your garden and lawn. Keep a list handy in case a child or pet ingests one. Remember, even common house plants may be harmful or deadly when swallowed. For disposal of small amounts of chemicals or for questions concerning harmful substances, call the Special Operations Division of the Phoenix Fire Department at 602-256-3435 or the Toxic Waste Disposal Service at 602-256-3310. Last modified on 01/27/2009 14:32:12 |
