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Poison Prevention

En español

Tens of thousands of pesticide poisonings are reported each year. Following a few simple steps can prevent many of these accidents. An EPA survey showed that almost half (47%) of households with young children and 75% of homes without young children had pesticides stored in unlocked cabinets within reach of children.

Lock up all pesticides including:

• chlorine bleach,
• disinfectants,
• rat poisons,
• mothballs, flea and tick products,
• swimming pool chemicals,
• weed killers, and
• insect repellents.

Too often pesticides are stored or used carelessly, which can lead to accidents.

Tips on preventing pesticide poisonings:

• Store pesticides in locked cabinets, out of the reach of children and pets.
• Read the entire label before using any pesticide in or around the home, and follow all label directions.
• Consider safe use practices so that you are prepared in the event that an accident occurs.
• Keep children and pets away from areas being treated with pesticides. Make sure the product containers are safely out of reach while they are being applied.
• Close pesticide containers immediately after their use to avoid accidental spills.
• Never mix or store pesticides in food or drink containers.
• Be prepared by having a pesticide emergency card on hand, or programming the number for the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222) in your phone.

Additional Resources:

• Pesticide Poisoning Check List - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Poisoning Safety Fact Sheet - Safe Kids Worldwide
• Reduce Your Child's Chances of Pesticide Poisoning - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Home Safe Home - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Play it Safe: Reduce Your Child's Chances of Pesticide Poisoning - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Poison Prevention Information Center - Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Poisons: What Parents Need to Know - National Safety Council
• Paraquat Dichloride: One Sip Can Kill - US Environmental Protection Agency

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.