Poisoning is the harmful effect that occurs when a toxic substance is swallowed, inhaled, or comes in contact with the skin, eyes or mucous membranes in the mouth and nose. It is the most common cause of nonfatal accidents in the home.
Poisons can be found inside and outside your home and can be things you use every day. The most common source of serious poisonings and poison-related deaths come from drugs, which may be, either prescription, nonprescription, or illegal. Other poisons include gases, household products, agricultural products, plants, industrial chemicals, vitamins, and foods. There are also animals that can cause problems, such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions, whose bites or stings can be poisonous.
Damage caused by poisoning will depend on the poison, the amount consumed, and the age and health of the person taking the poison. Some symptoms occur within seconds, where others take hours or days to occur.
Poisons need to be kept in a safe place, and locked away from young children or confused seniors. Make sure the lids are tightly secured and labeled appropriately, and do not store poisons around food.
Common poisons for adults include:
Pain medication—prescription and over-the-counter
Sedatives
Antidepressants
Cardiovascular drugs
Alcohols
Household cleaning products
Most dangerous poisons include:
Antifreeze and windshield washer products
Medications
Corrosive cleaners (drain openers, oven cleaners, toilet bowel cleaners)
Pesticides
Fuels (gasoline, kerosene)
First Aid
In case of poisoning, get help if someone eats, breathes, or touches poison, or get it in their eyes.
Call 1-800-222-1222 if:
a. There may be a poison problem but the person seems OK
b. You have questions about poisons
Call 911 if someone:
a. won’t wake up
b. is having trouble breathing or is not breathing
c. is having a seizure
The Poison Center Help number is 1-800-222-1222 with experts who will help if you have questions about poisons. They are medical professionals who are very knowledgeable about poison.
Anyone who has been exposed to a toxic gas should be removed from the source quickly, into the fresh air, by a professional. Special training and precautions must be considered to avoid being overcome by the toxic gases or chemicals.
In a chemical spill, all contaminated clothing and jewelry should be removed immediately. The skin should be washed with soap and water, and the eyes should be flushed with water or saline if exposure occurred.
Any containers of the poisons or any drugs that might have been taken by the poisoned person should be saved and given to the physician or rescue personnel. Identifying the poison will be helpful in their treatment.
To prevent accidental poisoning:
a. Keep medication in its original container.
b. Store medications and toxic substances in locked cabinets.
c. Clearly label household products, or keep in their original container.
d. Dispose of expired medications.
e. Read directions before using chemical products.
f. When taking medications, read the label every time.
g. Use carbon monoxide detectors.
h. Put the Poison Center Help number near the telephone.
i. Do not mix different cleaners together.
j. Protect your eyes and skin.
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