March 19-25 is National Poison Prevention Week

Each day of the week promotes a daily theme related to poisoning. Theme this year include:  Children Act Fast … So Do Poisons - Poisonings Span a Lifetime - Home Safe Home - Medicine Safety.

In short, poison is any substance that can be harmful to your body.  The average American home contains many poisonous substances.  Cleaning products, detergents, single-load detergent packets, prescription medications, over-the-counter/herbal medicines, narcotics, illegal drugs, synthetic cannabinoids/marijuana, personal care products, nail polish remover, mouthwash, paint thinner, pesticides, bug spray, lawn care chemicals, fertilizers, metals such as lead, mercury found in old thermometers and batteries, carbon monoxide gas, spoiled food, certain plants, poison ivy, poison oak, venom from certain snakes and insects.

Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, redness, sores around the mouth, dry mouth, drooling, foaming at the mouth, trouble breathing, dilated pupils (bigger than normal) or constricted pupils (smaller than normal), confusion, fainting, shaking or seizures.

If you suspect poisoning, call the poison control center, answer their questions related to the poison suspected, and follow their instructions. Call 911 if the poisoned person is unconscious or not breathing.  If the poison is on your skin, rinse it off with water and remove nearby clothing. If you swallowed the poison, DO NOT try to induce vomiting.

Prevention is the best medicine.  Avoid contact with harmful substances. Keep all household substances out of the reach of children by placing them in high or locked cabinets. Read and follow all product label directions. 

Do Not Mix Chemicals. Some become poisonous when mixed. Bleach and ammonia, when mixed together, create a deadly gas.  Wear protective clothing and gloves when you use cleaners and chemicals. Use pesticides, paint thinners, and similar chemicals only in well-ventilated spaces.

Keep medicines and chemicals in their original containers.  Dispose of old or expired medicines and household products safely, per FDA and hazardous waste guidelines.

Be certain all gas/oil/wood-fueled appliances are vented properly; service them regularly.  Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Never run your car in a closed garage, other than when you are driving into or out of it.  Stay safe.