Poison Safety
Poison Safety
Poisonings are a leading cause of death and injury across the lifespan. Half of poisonings reported to poisoning centers happen in children less than six years of age.
Basic Safety Rules to Prevent Poisonings
- Read product labels to ensure proper use and storage of the product.
- Store poisons out of sight and/or out of reach in a locked cabinet.
- This includes personal care products (makeup, perfumes, toothpaste, etc.), medicines (including vitamins), plants, cleaning products, pesticides, art supplies and alcoholic beverages.
- Keep the Poison Center phone number handy.
- Never call medicine “candy” and teach children not to take medicine from anyone except a grown-up they know.
- Store products in their original containers and buy child-resistant packages when available. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- Keep children away from outside plants, berries and mushrooms.
- Teach children: Do not touch! Do not taste! Ask a grownup first!
The Maryland Poison Center is the first place to call if you suspect a poisoning has happened. The Center is staffed around the clock with pharmacists and nurses to manage the calls.
They provide answers to non-urgent questions as well as give emergency treatment advice. The majority of cases can be handled safely at home.
- Call 911 if the person is choking, can’t breathe, or is having a seizure.
- For a poison emergency, call the Maryland Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.
For additional information visit the The Maryland Poison Center website.
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