What Do You Know About Poison Prevention?

Carbon monoxide is also more likely to cause sickness in people who have long-term (chronic) health problems. Each year in the U.S., many people are treated in the emergency room, are put in the hospital, or die from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Childproof medicine bottle caps may not be childproof. They only make it harder for a child to open them. But with enough time, a child may still open a container with one of these caps.

You should take your medicine with a light on to make sure you have the right medicine and the correct dose. Dispose of outdated medicines. The best way to dispose of most medicines is to take the medicine to a "take back" program. The program may be offered at your local law enforcement office, hospital, or pharmacy. Some medicines can be disposed of by putting them in the trash. A few should be flushed down the toilet. Check the patient information that came with the medicine to find out for sure. If you have questions about the medicines you take, talk with your healthcare provider.

The toll-free number for the poison control center is 800-222-1222. If the child has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911.

You should be able to tell the center what was taken, what time it was taken, your child's weight and age, and your name and phone number. It's very helpful to have the container or bottle nearby.

Other recommendations:

• Always store products out of your child's sight and reach.
• Keep household chemicals in their original containers. Don't put them in food containers.
• Carefully read and follow the directions and caution labels on products before using them.
• When spraying products, make sure the spray nozzle is directed away from your face and other people.
• If you are using a product around a child and need to leave the room, take the child with you.

It's important to stay away from areas where pesticides are used. This is because these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and may be toxic. Keep your children away from wild mushrooms, because some are poisonous. Pay attention not only to berries growing in the yard, but also the leaves of plants. Just because a wild animal eats a plant or berry doesn't mean it's safe for humans.