Play it Safe- Lock Up Pesticides, Prevent Poisonings
Every 13 seconds, a poison control center receives a phone call about an unintentional poisoning. The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports that more than 50% of the two million poisoning incidents each year involve children younger than six years old. In 2006 alone, poison control centers reported more than 77,000 calls with concerns about potential exposure to common household pesticides.
Children are at a much greater risk of unintentional poisonings from pesticides and household products. It is essential for parents and caregivers to lock up all pesticides, including farm, acreage and household products.
Prevent pesticide poisonings by storing pesticides safely. To reduce storage problems, buy only enough pesticides for one season’s use. Keep pesticides in their original containers with labels intact. If possible, store them in a separate, locked building, room or cabinet away from children and pets. Do not store pesticides in cabinets near food, medical supplies, cleaning products or water supplies. Store the pesticides in a dry area to prevent the deterioration of containers. Inspect pesticide containers frequently for damage.
Prevent pesticide poisonings by always applying pesticides safely. Read the label and follow the directions carefully. Make sure that children stay away while loading, mixing and applying chemicals. Pesticide residues are likely to get on clothing. Remove pesticide contaminated shoes before entering the home. Always remove contaminated clothing and wash yourself thoroughly before coming in contact with children and other family members. Don’t mix pesticide-contaminated clothing with family laundry.
Prevent pesticide poisonings by teaching children about pesticides and encouraging them to ask questions. Pesticides can seem harmless to children. They may see them as food or drink. Teach them to ask an adult before they eat or drink anything. The National Poison Center hotline is 1-800-222-1222.
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