Poison prevention tips

Keep all potentially poisonous products, like household cleaning products and medications, out of sight and reach.

What is a poison?

Any substance that causes illness or harm if someone eats it, drinks it, touches it, or breathes it in.

What are some examples of a poison?

• Alcohol
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) gas
• Medications such as prescription (pain killers, antidepressants), over-the-counter (cough and cold medicines, allergy medicines), and illegal drugs (cocaine, heroin)
• Food Supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements
• Cosmetic and Personal Care Products, such as nail polish remover, soap, makeup, hand sanitizer, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, sunscreen, hydrogen peroxide, and cologne
• Household Cleaning Products, such as bleach, laundry or dish detergent, wall/floor/tile cleaners, disinfectants, antifreeze, and gasoline
• Pesticides, including rodenticides, insecticides, and herbicides
• Other household items, such as batteries, cigarettes, toys, and glass
• Plants, including many household plants, outdoor plants, and wild mushrooms
• Bites and stings from animals such as snakes, scorpions, wasps, bees, and spiders
• Environmental chemicals
• Work-related chemicals

These tips can help prevent a poisoning

Household Poison Prevention Tips

• Keep all potentially poisonous products, like household cleaning products and medications, out of children’s sight and reach.
• Put child-resistant locks on drawers and cabinets containing harmful household products.
• Store all household products and medications in their original containers with their original labels on them. Never put a potentially poisonous product in something other than its original container (like a plastic water bottle) where it could be mistaken for something else.
• Do not leave children alone with household cleaners or medications. When using a product, take children with you if you leave the room. Many poisonings happen when parents are distracted for a moment on the phone or answering the door.
• Return all potentially poisonous products to safe storage, out of sight and reach immediately after use.
• Buy products in child-resistant packaging, when available.
• Store food and cleaners separately so one is not mistaken for the other.
• Keep children away from any poisonous plants that may be in or around your home.
• Watch children carefully when playing indoors and outdoors.
• Save the number for the MA & RI Poison Center [phone].

Medication Safety Prevention Tips

• Keep all medications out of children’s reach and sight.
• Read all medication labels carefully and follow the directions listed on the packaging.
• Never refer to medication as candy.
• Never share your medication with anyone else.
• Don’t use more medicine than is prescribed or recommended, even if someone is sick. It will not make them feel better faster and may cause harm.
• Call the MA & RI Poison Center if you have any questions or concerns about your medication.

Carbon Monoxide Poison Prevention Tips

• Install a battery-operated or battery back-up Carbon monoxide detector in your home.
• Keep carbon monoxide alarms at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.
• Check to make sure the batteries are working in your alarms every time you switch the clocks for daylight savings.
• Replace carbon monoxide alarms every 5-7 years (unless they are a newer model with a 10-year sealed battery.)
• If you are in need of a smoke alarm and Carbon monoxide detector installation request a smoke alarm.

Additional Resources

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety

Medication Safety