The Four Seasons of Poison Prevention

SageSure recognizes National Poison Prevention Week. Here are some seasonal tips to stay clear of toxins year-round.

Autumn

Fall is cold and flu season, and people often look to over-the-counter and prescription medications to help them suppress symptoms. Always keep medicines and supplements in their original containers and be sure to keep them out of the reach of small children. Pepto Bismol is a kid-friendly pink color and smells like bubble gum – don’t give your toddler the opportunity to try it or other medicines. Also, never take medicine in the dark. Many medicines look alike in the middle of the night!

Winter

As the cold weather creeps in, we tend to crank up the heat to keep us comfortable. Be sure to have your furnace or other heating system inspected on a yearly basis to make sure that it’s functioning safely and not leaking carbon dioxide into your home. CO2 is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas. It’s crucial to install CO2 detectors and replace the batteries on a regular basis. Also, keep winter chemicals out of the reach of children. Antifreeze, rock salt and other de-icing chemicals can cause damage if misused.

Spring

As you prepare your flower beds for planting, fertilize your grass or spray for insects, be sure that you read product instructions thoroughly and take the necessary safety precautions. Pesticides can be inhaled or taken in via the skin and can be very dangerous. If you have pets or young children, be sure to keep them away from the treated areas for an appropriate length of time.

Summer

Kids love exploring the outdoors in the summer sun. But the fun ends fast if they come into contact with a poisonous plant. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac can be plentiful in parks, trails and even your own backyard. Teach your family to identify and avoid these plants, and take the appropriate steps to remove them from accessible areas.

When it comes to poison prevention, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Do your research, trust your gut and take great care when using chemicals, medicines or anything else that might be toxic.
If you suspect someone has been poisoned, call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.