Young children explore the world by putting things in their mouth. For this reason, more than one million children under the age of six are victims of accidental poisoning each year. To help protect and keep your child safe, your pediatrician offers advice for identifying and locking up toxic materials and knowing what to do if they touch, inhale or swallow something poisonous.

Common Examples

Medicines: Vitamins and minerals, cold medicine, allergy and asthma medicine, ibuprofen, acetaminophen

Household Products: moth balls, furniture polish, drain cleaners, weed killers, insect or rat poisons, lye, pant thinners, dishwasher detergent, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil

How to Poison Proof Your Home

To maintain a healthy, safe home, your pediatrician offers these safety rules:

• Keep harmful products locked up and out of the reach of your child
• Use safety latches or locks to keep drawers and cabinets closed tight
• Take care during stressful times
• Never refer to any type of medicine as candy
• Don’t rely on child-resistant containers
• Never leave alcohol within the reach of your child
• Call the Poison Help Line at (800) 222-1222 or your pediatrician if your child swallows a substance that is not food
• Keep products in their original containers, as to not confuse your child
• Read labels before using any product
• Always keep a watchful eye on your child
• Check your home for old medications and dispose of them properly
• Move purses, luggage and grocery bags away from prying hands

Talk to your pediatrician today for more information on how to properly poison proof your home. Each extra measure taken is important to protecting your child from harm in your home.