Common sources of poisoning

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Common sources of poisoning

Common sources of poisoning, including household products, cosmetics, medications and more.

Despite the trend towards eco-friendly pesticides in recent years, there are still a lot of toxic products out there that are used both inside and outside the home. For homes with children and pets, the best solution is to use a "green" pest control company. Keep household pest control products locked away and place pest traps out of the reach of children and pets.

Cosmetics and personal care products often top the list when it comes to poisoning statistics. The pretty colors in nail polish can be attractive to children, and damage can be done via inhalation or swallowing the contents of the bottle. Lipstick sold in the U.S. has been tested by Poison Control and found to be non-toxic.

Cold medications can poison both children and adults. Kids may be attracted to the often brightly colored medication, especially if it's flavored. Adults need to be careful to not overdose themselves or mix cold medications with alcohol or prescription medications without first consulting a medical professional. Pre-teens and teenagers have been known to abuse cold medications to get "high."

Food poisoning can be deadly for small children and the elderly while causing severe illness in adults. Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly, cook meats and seafood to the recommended temperatures and be aware of expiration dates. Take precautions when handling raw meat and eggs and be vigilant about keeping the kitchen prep areas clean.

Though many plants are harmless, call 1-800-222-1222 for your Poison Control Center if you have any concerns. One myth is that poinsettias are deadly. In fact, they only cost minor discomfort in most people.

Bleach and other household cleaners are a common source of poisoning. Breathing the fumes or ingesting the contents can cause severe health consequences. Keep children away from such products, and use them only in well-ventilated areas. For large projects, take breaks on a regular basis and step outside for fresh air. For those with children and/or pets, you may want to use eco-friendly cleaners such as Simple Green, which are not toxic.

Keep kids out of the garage unless supervised, for there are many dangers to be found there, including gasoline, antifreeze and cleaning solvents. Inhaling or ingesting these products can be deadly or cause severe injury.

Bug bites and stings can have serious health consequences, especially if you are allergic to a particular type of insect, such as bees. Mosquitoes can carry the West Nile Virus, which tends to have more serious side effects for the elderly population. The venom sack from a honey bee can take a few minutes to release into the victim's body, so if you remove the stinger quickly, you may reduce the severity of the sting.

Carbon monoxide is the silent, odorless poison in the home. It's important to not operate products designed for outdoors inside, such as a charcoal grill. Never leave the car idling in a closed garage. This family was exposed to carbon monoxide from using a pressure washer machine which was outside, yet the fumes made their way into the home.

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Despite the trend towards eco-friendly pesticides in recent years, there are still a lot of toxic products out there that are used both inside and outside the home. For homes with children and pets, the best solution is to use a "green" pest control company. Keep household pest control products locked away and place pest traps out of the reach of children and pets.

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