Identifying Poisons In Your Home
A poison is something that makes you sick or hurts you if you eat, drink, touch, or smell it.
Poisons come in four different forms: Solid, Liquid, Spray, and Invisible
Solid Poisons – can be chunky or chewy. Medicines in a pill or powder form are poison if not taken properly. Iron pills or food supplements that contain iron are especially dangerous for children. Children often mistake pills for candy. Plants are considered a solid poison. Powders are often poisonous. Laundry soap, dishwasher soap, powdered cleaners are all examples of poisonous powders. Granular substances such as pesticides and fertilizers are highly toxic. Berries are considered a solid poison.
Liquid Poisons – can be creamy, blobby, or runny like water. Liquids are a big concern with young children because they are easily swallowed. Children can get a bigger dose of poison because it is easier to swallow liquids than solids and they can get more into their little bodies. Liquids also absorb quicker in the body. Some liquid poisons include: lotion, cologne, liquid cleaners, liquid laundry or dishwashing soap, syrup medicines, furniture polish, flammable liquids, liquid floor cleaners, antifreeze, lamp oil, and alcohol (rubbing alcohol and beverage alcohol). Liquid poisons can even get into your body through your skin.
Spray Poisons – can be in an aerosol can or a bottle. Sprays can hurt you if they get into your eyes, your lungs, and can even get into your body through your skin.
Invisible Poisons -- can include gases or vapors. Carbon monoxide from hot water heaters and furnaces, exhaust fumes from automobiles, fumes from gas or oil burning stoves, and industrial pollution in the air.
To learn more about how to keep your home safe, read this short article on Poison Safety Tips (http://www.optionsforhealthyliving.org/home/health/poisonsafetytips).
