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This file is available for print or distribution in PDF (140K). Also available in Spanish. PDF files require a free reader. Download a reader. This document was produced in cooperation with the Emergency Management Division of the Washington State Military Department.

Accidental Poisoning

Poisons can be found in everyday items located in all areas of your home – kitchen, closets, bathrooms, attic, garage, dining room, laundry room, storage areas and basements. To help prevent accidental poisoning, follow these poison prevention tips.

Poison Prevention Tips

• Use child-resistant containers (but remember: child-resistant containers are not completely childproof).

• Keep potentially poisonous products in their original containers (see below for product list).

• Place potentially poisonous products out
  of reach immediately after use.

• Put Mr. Yuk stickers on all poisonous products in and around your home, and teach children what the stickers mean.

• For more information on Mr. Yuk—or to order Mr. Yuk stickers—visit the Washington Poison Center's Web site at: www.wapc.org

• Keep emergency numbers (including the Washington Poison Center) next to your phone.

Make sure these products are stored safely:

• Prescription and over-the-counter medications (including aspirin and vitamins)

• Disinfectants, deodorants and air fresheners

• All kinds of sprays

• Polishes and cleansing powder

• Fertilizers and weed killers

• Insect and rodent poison; slug bait

• Paint remover and turpentine

• Cosmetics

• Soaps, detergents and shampoo

• Toilet bowl and drain cleaners

• Lye and bleach

• Kerosene and lighter fluids

• Insect repellent

• Mothballs and pesticides

Note: Special care should also be taken with house plants as many may be poisonous if eaten by humans or pets.

What to do when someone is poisoned:

If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1. If you suspect a possible poisoning—or for more information on potential poisons—call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
 

Be prepared to answer the following questions:
 

• What was taken? (Exact name of the product.) Bring product container to the phone if possible.

• When was it taken?

• How much was taken?

• Who took it? Body size makes a big difference in determining a poisonous dose.

• The name, condition, age and weight of the patient.

• Address and telephone number from where you are calling.

About the Washington Poison Center
 

The Washington Poison Center is a 24-hour telephone service providing information and emergency response for poisonings. Staffed by nurses, pharmacists and poison information specialists — and supported by a board-certified clinical toxicologist — the center handles over 70,000 calls a year. To learn more, visit the center's Web site at www.wapc.org
 

Revised - March 2008

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