Poison Prevention

IN CASE OF POISONING:
CALL THE POISON CENTER RIGHT AWAY!
EXPERTS THERE WILL TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT TO DO.
CALL 1-800-222-1222, 24 HOURS A DAY.

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Poison Prevention Tips for Children

Young children are at a high risk for poisoning because they are curious and they don’t know what’s safe to eat or drink. Even small amounts of many drugs and poisons can harm them. The most dangerous poisons for children include medicines, pesticides, windshield washer solution, antifreeze, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, alcoholic beverages, lamp oil, furniture polish, gasoline, kerosene and paint thinner.

  • Lock medicines and dangerous household products up high.
  • Use child-resistant closures on medicines and dangerous household products.
  • Keep products in their original containers.
  • Store food and household products in different areas to avoid confusing the two.
  • Take medicine where children can’t watch. They learn by imitating adults.
  • Teach children to always ask before eating or drinking anything.
  • Read the label before giving medicine or using a household product.
  • Install carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Put the Poison Center phone number on or near every phone: 1-800-222-1222.

Download the Poison Prevention for Children tip card


Poisoning Prevention for Older Adults

Seniors are at special risk for poisoning. Each year in Virginia, hundreds of seniors spend time in the hospital —and even die—because of problems using medicines and household products. As we get older, we often need more medicines. It’s harder for our bodies to process drugs and chemicals. It’s harder to read labels. It’s easier to make mistakes.

  • Read the label before taking medicine or using a household product. Turn on the light and put on your glasses if you need to read.
  • Take medicines exactly as your doctor orders. Your pharmacist or other health care provider can help you figure out the best way to keep your drugs organized.
  • ONLY take medicine prescribed for you! If possible, have all prescriptions filled by the same pharmacy.
  • Ask your pharmacist before taking a new drug to avoid drug interactions. Store food and household products in different areas. It’s easy to make a mistake.
  • Keep household products in their original containers.
  • Do NOT mix household products together. You could make a poisonous gas.
  • Install carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Put the Poison Center phone number on or near every phone: 1-800-222-1222.

Download the Poison Prevention for Older Adults tip card



Other Poison Prevention Resources:

Inhalant Abuse Prevention