735E04003
Poison Prevention:
Read the Label First!
Community
Action Kit
Your Safety & Health Leader for 90 Years
National Safety Council
1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, #1200
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.nsc.org/ehc.htm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5, Library (PL-12J)
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Poison Prevention Community Action Kit
Evaluation Form
Name:
Organization:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
What type of outreach activity did you conduct?
Q A safety fair
Q With a school
Q With a retailer
Q With a doctor or clinic
U With a special interest group
Q Other:
What sections of the kit did you use? Please rate their effectiveness from 1 to 5 (with 1
being poor and 5 being excellent).
Q Fact Sheets 12345
Q PowerPoint Presentation 12345
Q Web Pages 12345
Q Children's Activities 12345
a News Articles 12345
Q Brochures 12345
What would you do differently next time?
Approximately how many people attended the event?
How many visited your booth or listened to your presentation?
Did people ask questions that were not covered by the presentation material?
Q Yes a No
If yes, what did they ask?
How can we improve this kit?
Please return to: Kristin Marstiller, National Safety Council, 1025 Connecticut Avenue,
NW, #1200, Washington, DC 20036, phone (202) 293-2270, x469, email:
marstilk@nsc.org
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Table of Contents
Introduction 1
The Fact Sheets 2
Fact Sheet: Types of Poisons in the Home 3
Fact Sheet: Poisons: Room by Room 5
Fact Sheet: Poison Prevention Tips 7
Fact Sheet: First Aid for Poisoning 8
Fact Sheet: Understanding the Label on Hazardous Household Chemicals 9
Fact Sheet: What is a Pesticide? 11
Fact Sheet: How Hazardous? The Terms 13
Fact Sheet: Pesticide Regulations 14
Fact Sheet: Disposal of Hazardous Products 15
Outreach Opportunities 17
Outreach Activities in Schools 18
Sample: Letter to School Official 19
Sample: Flyer to Parents for PTA Presentation 20
Sample: Poster Contest 21
Sample: Science Fair Project 22
Outreach Activities at Safety Fairs 23
Outreach Activities in Doctors' Offices and Clinics 24
Outreach Activities with Retailers 25
Outreach Activities with Community Service Organizations 26
Outreach Activities with Special Interest Groups 27
Outreach Materials 28
Read the Label First! Logo 29
Outreach Promotional Materials 30
Additional Resources 33
PowerPoint Presentation 33a
General Presentation 33a
More for Parents 33a
More for Pet Owners 33a
More for Gardeners 33a
Web Pages 33b
National Poison Prevention Week 33b
Types of Poisons in the Home 33b
How to Prevent Poisonings in Your Home 33b
Poison Prevention Tips 33b
First Aid for Poisoning 33b
Pesticides 33b
Understanding a Pesticide Label 33b
How Hazardous? The Terms 33b
Pesticide Regulations 33b
Disposal of Hazardous Products 33b
Children's Activity 34
Children's Activity: Connect the Dots and Color 34
Children's Activity: Connect the Dots and Circle the Label 35
Children's Activity: Word Search 36
Children's Activity: Make Words from the Phrase 37
Children's Activity: Secret Message 38
Children's Activity: Crossword Puzzle 39
Children's Activity: Matching Game 40
Children's Activity: Answer Keys 41
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Getting the Word Out 42
Sample News Feature Article: Preventing Accidental Poisonings 43
Sample News Feature Article: A Child's Vulnerability to Poison 44
Sample Newsletter Article: Poison Prevention Tips for Pet Owners 45
Sample Newsletter Article: Pesticide Poison Prevention in the Garden 46
Sample News Release: [Your Organization] Announces Poison Prevention Campaign 47
Sample Press Release: [Your Organization] Supports National Poison Prevention Week 48
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Introduction
A child is accidentally poisoned every 30 seconds in the United States and more than half of
these poisonings occur at home to children under age five, according to the American College
of Emergency Physicians. Young children are poisoned most commonly by things found in the
home such as drugs and cleaning products. Although anyone can become sick from certain
medications, household pesticides, and household cleaners, children may face a greater risk
than an adult for several reasons. Their internal organs are still developing and their enzy-
matic, metabolic and immune systems may provide less natural protections than those of an
adult. Children's behavior, such as playing on the floor or on the lawn where pesticides are
applied, or putting objects into their mouths, increase their chances of exposure to pesticides.
Calls to poison control centers peak between 4:00 and 10:00 PM when households become
more hectic during the routine of getting dinner on the table and parents are more distracted.
As partners in safety, we each have a desire to help our community by instilling safe practices.
This process starts by educating the public about a safety hazard and then providing steps that
can help change unsafe behavior.
This kit will help you:
> raise awareness about the preventable poisonings caused by the improper use and
storage of household chemicals and pesticides.
> teach parents, pet owners, gardeners, and others in your community the value of
reading and understanding the labels that are found on these products.
> plan outreach activities and evaluate the programs you establish.
> work with local officials and the media to focus attention on your planned outreach
activities.
To make this material as user-friendly as possible, we are providing it in both hard copy and
electronically on a CD-ROM. Many of the pieces on the CD-ROM are designed so you can
place your own contact information on it. This kit was developed by the National Safety Coun-
cil and funded under a coopera-
tive agreement with the U.S.
Environmental Protection
Agency.
NSC's Community Action Kit Page 1
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The Fact Sheets
The first step in changing safety behavior is education. This section contains individual fact
sheets about poisons and poison prevention that can be copied and handed out at community
safety fairs, schools, doctors' office and clinics, and appropriate retail locations, and provided
to community service organizations. If you wish to customize the sheets, you can use the
copies provided on the CD-ROM and add your own name, logo, and contact information. You
may not delete or alter the Read the Label First\ logo.
The fact sheets in this section include:
* Types of Poisons in the Home
* Poisons: Room by Room
* Poison Prevention Tips
* First Aid for Poisoning
* Understanding the Label on Hazardous Household Chemicals
* What is a Pesticide?
* How Hazardous? The Terms
* Pesticide Regulations
* Disposal of Hazardous Products
111
READ
fLABEL
FIRST
^^^^•^^"^
An ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure.
Page 2 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Fact Sheet...
Types of Poisons
in the Home
As consumers, we buy more than a quarter of a million different household products - materi-
als used in and around the home for medication, cleaning, cosmetic purposes, exterminating
insects, and killing weeds. These items are valuable in the home, for yard maintenance, and
for health. Misuse, especially when products are used in inappropriate applications or quanti-
ties, can cause illness, injury, and even death.
READ
ILABEL
FIRST
By their very nature,
most pesticides create
some risk of harm to humans,
animals, or the environment
because they are designed to
kill or otherwise adversely
affect pests.
Unintentional poisonings can happen to anyone, at any
time, in many situations. Unintentional poisonings,
however, can be prevented. Following label directions
for all products, including medication dosages, and
proper storage of potentially toxic products are impor-
tant precautions to heed.
Some products, such as medicines, are easily
recognized as a potential source of poisonings,
but others may not be as obvious. Many common
household products are pesticides. A pesticide is any
substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating
any pest. Pests include insects, mice and other animals, unwanted plants (weeds), fungi, or
microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.
Household products that are pesticides, including:
> Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers
> Cockroach sprays and baits
> Insect repellents for personal use
> Rat and other rodent poisons
> Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars
> Products that kill mold and mildew
> Some lawn and garden products, such as weed killers
> Some swimming pool chemicals
Here are some common kinds of pesticides and their function:
Algicides - Control algae in lakes,
canals, swimming pools, water tanks,
and other sites.
Antifouling agents - Kill or repel
organisms that attach to under-
water surfaces, such as boat bottoms.
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> Antimicrobials - Kill microorganisms
(such as bacteria and viruses).
> Attractants - Attract pests (for
example, to lure an insect or rodent to
a trap).
> Biocides - Kill microorganisms.
> Disinfectants and sanitizers - Kill or
inactivate disease-producing micro-
organisms on inanimate objects.
> Fungicides-Kill fungi (including
blights, mildews, molds, and rusts).
> Fumigants - Produce gas or vapor
intended to destroy pests in buildings
or soil.
> Herbicides - Kill weeds and other
plants that grow where they are not
wanted.
> Insecticides - Kill insects and other
arthropods.
> Miticides (also called acaricides) - Kill
mites that feed on plants and animals.
> Microbial pesticides - Microorgan-
isms that kill, inhibit, or out compete
pests, including insects or other micro-
organisms.
> Molluscicides - Kill snails and slugs.
> Nematicides - Kill nematodes (micro-
scopic, worm-like organisms that feed
on plant roots).
> Ovicides - Kill eggs of insects and
mites.
> Pheromones - Biochemicals used to
disrupt the mating behavior of insects.
> Repellents - Repel pests, including
insects (such as mosquitoes) and birds.
> Rodenticides - Control mice and
other rodents.
For more information on pesticides and disinfectants, call the National Pesticide Information
Center at (800) 858-PEST.
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Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Fact Sheet...
Poisons: Room by Room i BREAD
•* * TSLABEL
You can keep yourself and family members safer by
being aware of potential hazards and observing these
suggestions on ways to poison-proof your home. Try
going through your home by bending down to a child's
level and looking at everything from their point of view.
Bathroom
Some items that might be found in the bathroom
include medicines, cosmetics, tile cleaner, toilet bowl
cleaners, bathroom deodorizers, mouthwash, and
other personal hygiene products.
> Have a child-proof section that locks. Even if
your medicine cabinet is high up, youngsters
are inquisitive and avid climbers. They can
easily reach a cabinet by climbing from the
toilet (or other convenient object) to the sink
and thus reach into the cabinet.
> Keep medication lids tightly closed. A child-
resistant cap is meaningless if not properly
fastened after each use.
> Avoid taking medication in front of a child or
referring to pills as candy. Kids often mimic
adults. Also, something that tastes awful to an
adult may not faze a small child.
> Always follow the recommended dosage set
forth on the label or by your doctor for all
medications.
> Some mouthwashes contain enough alcohol to
poison small children. Consider alternative
products.
> Some disinfectants and toilet bowl cleaners are
dangerously caustic and capable of burning
tissue if ingested.
Bedroom
Some items that might be found in the bedroom
include mothballs, cosmetics, hair sprays, colognes,
nail polish remover, and medicines.
> Mothballs and crystals should be hung in
containers. If such products are used in closets
or chests, they should be out of the reach of
children.
> If children are present, it is best if personal care
items are kept out of their reach. Hair spray,
cologne, perfumes, nail polish remover, nail
glue remover, and astringents should be kept
where children can't get into them.
_ I FIRST.
Living Room
Although there are not as many
items of concern in the livingroom, one should be
aware of items brought in by guests.
> Pay attention to visitors. People who visit may
carry medications in coat pockets and purses,
which are potential hunting grounds for a
curious child. Hang garments and store purses
where children are not likely to get at them.
> Lead poisoning is a serious medical problem.
Children may be exposed to different lead
sources in your home. Small children may
chew on windowsills, eat paint chips or suck
on their hands, exposing themselves to lead
dust. Older furniture, such as cribs, playpens,
chairs, etc., and painted toys may also contain
lead-based paint.
> Another potential source of poisoning for small
children are carpet cleaners because they
frequently play on the carpet. Toys and hands
may come in contact with cleaner and be
transferred to their mouth.
Kitchen
Some items that might be found in the kitchen include
dishwashing detergent, liquid dish soap, scouring
soap, disinfectants, window cleaners, oven cleaners,
medicines, vitamins, furniture polishes, drain cleaners/
openers, and ammonia.
> Check under the sink and low cabinet shelves.
Look for products that could be hazardous
when accessible to young children. These
could include such items as bleaching agents,
bug spray, rust removers, drain cleaners,
ammonia, oven cleaners, detergents, furniture
polish, floor wax, metal polish, wax remover,
and wall/floor/toilet bowl cleaners. If products
cannot be moved, install safety latches on the
lower cupboard doors to keep children out.
> Even food extracts, such as vanilla and almond
which may contain alcohol, can be harmful to
children.
> Cleaning compounds and foods should never
be stored on the same shelf. One item might
be mistaken for another.
> Keep all substances in their original containers.
Using beverage bottles or cans for storing
cleaning fluids, liquid floor wax, and other
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household mixtures is very hazardous. Children,
and even adults, might mistake the contents for
the original beverage. Also, labels on original
containers often give first aid information if some-
one should swallow the product.
> Keep potentially hazardous cleaning compounds
capped while using. Do not leave the unattended
container uncapped for even "just a minute" if
children are present.
Laundry Room
Some items that might be found in the laundry room
include laundry detergent, bleach, fabric softener, stain
removers, and dye.
> Store chemicals up high (out of the reach of
children).
> Install safety latches on the cupboard doors to
keep children out.
> Keep all substances in their original containers.
Using beverage bottles or cans for storing
detergents can be hazardous. Also, labels
on original containers often give first aid
information if someone should swallow the
product.
> Keep potentially hazardous cleaning
compounds capped while using. Do not leave
the unattended container uncapped for even
"just a minute" if children are present.
Garage
Some items that might be found in the garage include
gasoline, kerosene, car wax/soaps, weed killers/
pesticides, paint, windshield washer fluid, and anti-
freeze.
> Store chemicals up high (out of the reach of
children).
> Install safety latches on the cupboard doors to
keep children out.
> Keep all substances in their original containers.
Labels on original containers often give first
aid information if someone should swallow the
product.
> Clean up spills and leaks immediately and
store products properly.
Additional Precautions
> Use safety latches or combination locks to
prevent curious children from getting into
cabinets and drawers. Don't let children watch
you open them. Kids learn fast.
> Many poisonings of youngsters happen when
the household routine has been interrupted.
Examples of such changes include: when a
parent is ill; when a family is moving; when a
family is on a trip; when there is a guest in the
home; when there is family tension; when
seasonal products are in use. In addition,
hungry or tired children are prone to putting
the first available object they find into their
mouths.
> Keep the number for the nation-wide poison
control center toll-free number, 800/222-1222,
family doctor, and hospital emergency room
posted near the telephone. Having the original
container and its label is important in helping
paramedics and doctors help you.
> For handling poisonings and other emergen-
cies, everyone should be trained in first aid.
> Throw out old medicines (over-the-counter and
prescriptions) to reduce clutter and potential
ingestion errors. Look for the expiration date.
Out-of-date medications may be ineffective
and/or dangerous.
Especially for Older Adults
> Request medicine labels be printed in larger
type.
> If one type of child-restraint closure is difficult
to use, ask your pharmacist for a different kind
(especially if there are grandchildren around).
> Make sure you are taking the medicine you
intended; turn on the lights and double-check
the label, especially when you are sleepy or
sick.
> Avoid dosage errors - use dosage containers
indicating day of week and/or time of day;
don't leave it to memory.
> If you are taking two or more medications
(prescription or over-the-counter), be sure to
check with your pharmacist to avoid
unexpected drug interactions.
> Consider a dedicated medicine storage area -
even if there are no kids in the house.
Pets are Susceptible, Too!
> Poisonous antifreeze tastes sweet to dogs and
cats - clean up spills and leaks immediately and
store products properly.
> Avoid using pesticides where pet food is stored
or served.
> Avoid feeding pets human food - chocolate can
poison and kill a dog. Onions are potentially
harmful.
> Pets are healthier eating food specially
formulated for what they need.
Page 6
Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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READ
1LABEL
FIRST
Fact Sheet...
Poison Prevention Tips
Every year poisonings result in nearly 900,000 visits to emergency rooms
and some 900 deaths. The overwhelming majority of poisonings occur at
home. Many of these poisonings can be safely handled at home if you call the poison control
center. Many common household products can be poisonous including pesticides, household
cleaners, furniture polish, lighter fluids, medicines, and supplements containing iron.
Although pesticides can be beneficial to society, they can be dangerous if used incorrectly or if
they are not stored properly and out of the reach of children. According to data collected from
the American Association of Poison Control Centers, in 2001 alone, an estimated 66,000
children less than six years of age were involved in common household pesticide-related
poisonings or exposures in the United States. An additional 28,000 children were exposed to
or poisoned by household chlorine bleach.
Asurvey by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding pesticides used in and
around the home revealed that almost half (47%) of all households with children under the age
of five had at least one pesticide stored in an unlocked cabinet, less than 4 feet off the ground
(i.e., within the reach of children). Approximately 75% of households without children under
the age of five also stored pesticides in an unlocked cabinet, less than 4 feet off the ground.
This number is especially significant because 13% of all pesticide poisoning incidents occur in
homes other than the child's home.
Some tips to keep your family safe:
> Keep the nation-wide poison control
center's number (800/222-1222) and
your doctor's phone number handy.
> Keep products in original containers
with labels and out of the reach of children.
> Get down to a child's height and look
at potential hazardous from their point
of view.
> Read the label and follow directions
and precautions for safe and effective
use, storage, and first aid.
> Use hazardous products away from
children, toys, food, and pets, as directed.
> Store products out of the reach of
children, even if you don't have small
children. Many poisonings happen
when children are visiting homes
where no children live.
> Properly dispose of unused or unneces-
sary household products and unused or
expired medicines.
> Check the playground equipment
where your children play to be sure
that none of the wood has been
treated with potentially hazardous
chemicals.
> Keep syrup of ipecac available, but use
only when instructed to by a doctor or
a Poison Control Center.
> If a household chemical has been
ingested, call the Poison Control Center
or doctor or follow the first aid instruc-
tions on the label. Have the label ready
when you call.
Poison Control Center - 800/222-1222
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Page 7
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READ
ILABEL
FIRST
Fact Sheet...
First Aid for Poisoning
Prevention of poisoning is the best path for your safety and health. In addition
to danger of the poison, none of the medical procedures or drugs used to treat
poisonings is risk-free. Some of the antidotes for poisoning are risky in their
own right, and even simple procedures such as pumping a stomach carry a certain level of risk.
In the case of an emergency, try to determine what the person was exposed to and what part of the
body was affected before you take action. If the person is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or
having convulsions, give needed first aid immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency service. If
the person is awake, conscious, not having trouble breathing, and not having convulsions, read the
label for first aid instructions and contact the nation-wide toll-free number (800/222-1222) or your
doctor. Remember to act fast because speed is crucial! But equally important is taking the right
action. In most cases, the hazardous product's label provides you with a "First Aid Instructions" to
follow in emergencies. The appropriate first aid treatment depends on the kind of poisoning that has
occurred. If first aid instructions are not available, follow the general guidelines below and/or call the
nation-wide poison control center or your doctor.
Swallowed poison
Call the poison control center at 800/222-1222.
Always keep syrup of ipecac on hand (one
ounce for each child in the household) to use to
induce vomiting, but induce vomiting ONLY if
emergency personnel on the phone tell you to
do so. It will depend on what the person has
swallowed; some petroleum products or caustic
poisons will cause more damage if the person is
made to vomit. Be sure the date is current.
Inhaled poison
Carry or drag victim to fresh air immediately. If
you think you need protection such as a respira-
tor and one is not available to you, call 911 and
wait for emergency equipment before entering
the area. Loosen person's tight clothing. If the
person's skin is blue or the person has stopped
breathing, give artificial respiration (if you know
how) and call 911 for help. Open doors and
windows so no one else will be poisoned by
fumes.
Poison in eye
If poison splashes into an eye, hold the eyelid
open and wash quickly and gently with clean
running water from the tap or a gentle stream
from a hose for at least 15 minutes. Eye damage
can occur in a few minutes with some types of
toxic chemicals. If possible, have someone else
contact a poison control center for you while the
victim is being treated. Do not use eye drops or
chemicals or drugs in the wash water.
Poison on skin
Call the nation-wide poison control center if a
toxic chemical splashes on the skin. Drench
area with water and remove contaminated
clothing. Wash skin and hair thoroughly with
soap and water. Later, discard contaminated
clothing or thoroughly wash it separately from
other laundry.
Nation-wide Poison Control Center
800/222-1222
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Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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READ
fLABEL
FIRST
Fact Sheet...
Understanding the Label on
Hazardous Household Chemicals
Labels contain a lot of important information. However, because consumer products are
regulated by different laws, with different objectives, the information is presented in a variety of
ways. Consequently, consumers can't always find the information they want. Through a volun-
tary partnership with industry, EPA is working to make labels more consistent and user-friendly.
Some of changes include the use of toll-free numbers with emergency information; use of more
common names for active ingredients; and use of "First Aid Instructions" instead of "Statement
of Practical Treatment," revised first aid statements, and an easier to read format
EPA registers and regulates pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenti-
cide Act. Before a company can sell or distribute any pesticide in the U.S., EPA must review
studies on the pesticide to determine that it will not pose unreasonable risks to human health
or the environment. The make such determinations, EPA requires more than 100 different
scientific studies and tests from applicants. Once EPA has made that determination, it will
license or register that pesticide for use in strict accordance with label directions.
1.
5.
1. Directions for Use
This section tells you what the pesticide product
controls, when, how, and where to use the product.
Often the product's manufacturer has included a
booklet with the container. Some manufacturers
also provide a toll-free number for consumers to
use to obtain additional information on their
products.
2. Precautionary Statements,
Hazard to Humans and Pets
This section describes potential hazards to people
and pets and actions you can take to reduce those
hazards, for example, wearing gloves. These
statements may also provide extra information on
how to protect your children or pets.
3. Environmental Hazards
If the product is potentially harmful to wildlife, fish,
endangered plants or animals, or may adversely impact
wetlands or water resources, this section will provide
additional information on what to do to avoid environmen-
tal damage.
PRODUCT NAME|
DIRECTlQfaS FOR USE
II to « vtoMfan of Mm bw k> UM
PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
HAZARD TO HUMAMS
(AND DOMESTIC ANiMALS)
DANGER
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL
HAZARDS
STORAGE AND
DISPOSAL
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12
KEEP OUT OF THE
REACH OF CHILDREN
DANGER
FIRST AID
(STATEMENT Of PRACTICAL TREATMENT)
OTHER imE«T; I'.GKEDlttiTf, "
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CONT/UNs'iaLBS. WSRI">NrV STATEMENT
1 3 1E(* ReS'Stta*™ No. i EPA Reg fta —
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4. Physical or Chemical Hazards
This section notes hazards such as corrosivity or flamma-
bility of the product. For example, if the pesticide is
flammable, the product should not be used or stored near
open flames.
5. Storage and Disposal
This section tells you how to best store the product and
what to do with the unused portion of the product and the
empty container.
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6. Signal Words
On the label, you will find one of the following signal
words: Caution, Warning, or Danger. The signal word
indicates the pesticide's potential hazard level to humans,
with Caution being the least harmful and Danger the most
harmful.
7. First Aid Instructions
This section tells you what to do first if someone acciden-
tally swallows or breathes the pesticide, or gets it on their
skin or in their eyes. Labels may also contain a section
labeled "Note to Physicians," which provides doctors with
specific medical information.
8. Active Ingredients
This section identifies the active ingredient(s) in the
product. The active ingredient controls the pests listed on
the label.
9. Other Ingredient (Inert Ingredient)
This section tells you the percentage of other ingredients
(sometimes called inert ingredients) in the product. The
names of the other ingredients may or may not be shown
on the label. These other ingredients do not control the
pest, but serve other purposes, such as dissolving the
active ingredient or affecting how the product works.
10. Warranty Statement
This statement is intended to limit a company's liability, or
to act as a disclaimer or as a warranty for the product.
11. Manufacturer's Address
This section shows the name and address, and some-
times phone number or Web site, of the manufacturer or
distributor of the product.
12. Net Weight/Net Content Statement
This section identifies how much pesticide product is in
the container.
13. EPA Registration Number
All pesticides products (but not other household chemi-
cals) sold in the United States must be registered with the
EPA. The registration number shows that the product has
been reviewed by the EPA and that the EPA has deter-
mined the product can be used with minimal risk if you
follow the directions on the label properly. The number is
not an endorsement or guarantee of product effective-
ness.
14. EPA Establishment Number
This section gives the number that identifies the particular
facility where the final phase of production of the pesticide
product took place.
Page 10
Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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READ
ELABEL
FIRST
Fact Sheet...
What is a Pesticide?
What Are Pesticides?
A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying,
repelling, or mitigating any pest. Pests can be insects, mice and other animals, unwanted
plants (weeds), fungi, or microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Many household products
are pesticides, including:
> Cockroach sprays and baits
> Insect repellents for personal use
> Rat and other rodent poisons
> Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars
> Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers
> Products that kill mold and mildew
> Some lawn and garden products, such as weed killers
> Some swimming pool chemicals
By their very nature, most pesticides create some risk of harm to humans, animals, or the
environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect pests. At the same
time, pesticide are useful to society because of their ability to kill potential disease-causing
organisms and control insects, weeds, and other pests.
Where Are They Found?
Pesticides are potential hazards in many buildings because they are widely used to reduce
many household pests, including those associated with indoor plants, pets, and wood and
woolen products, and because they are tracked in from the outdoors. Pesticides used in and
around the home include products to control insects, termites, rodents, fungi, and microbes.
They are sold as liquids, sprays, powders, crystals, balls, and foggers.
Surveys show that 75 percent of homes in the United States use at least one pesticide product
indoors per year. Those most often used are insecticides and disinfectants. However, studies
suggest that 80 to 90 percent of exposures to pesticides occur indoors and that measurable
levels of up to a dozen pesticides have been found in the air inside homes. Residential expo-
sure results not only from the use of pesticides in the home but also from pesticides coming
into the house from other sources.
What Are the Health Effects?
Potential human risks range from short-term (acute) effects including headaches and dizziness
to long-term (chronic) effects such as cancer and reproductive system disorders. The health
effects depend on the type of pesticide. Some, such as the organophosphates and carbon-
ates, affect the nervous system. Others may irritate the skin or eyes. The acute toxicity of a
pesticide is indicated by the "signal word" (Caution, Warning, or Danger). Exposure to high
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levels of pesticides, usually due to misapplication, may cause headaches, dizziness, muscle
twitching, weakness, tingling sensation, and nausea. Since some of these symptoms may be
similar to symptoms of the flu or other disease, it is critical that someone with one or more of
these symptoms inform a doctor if symptoms appear after using or being exposed to a pesti-
cide. Some pesticides may be carcinogens. Others may affect the hormone or endocrine
system in the body.
Chronic health effects resulting from long-term exposure to pesticides are also a concern.
These health effects may include potential carcinogenicity, reproductive effects, and effects on
the central nervous system. EPA has banned or eliminated exposure to a number of pesti-
cides suspected to have chronic human health effects. A significant epidemiological study
begun in 1993, called the Agricultural Health Study, is monitoring the health of about 90,000
pesticide handlers to determine whether any particular pesticide exposure leads to cancer,
reproductive effects, or other chronic effects. In general, EPA and public health professionals
recommend the public limit their exposure to pesticides because, despite all the testing, it is
not usually possible to rule out a pesticides potential contribution to chronic disease.
In 2000, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that more than
1,294,000 children, 12 years old and younger, were involved in common household pesticide
poisonings or exposures. In households with children, almost one-half stored at least one
pesticide product within reach of the children.
How Can You Reduce Exposure to Pesticides in Your Home?
To reduce risks when you are using pesticides, take these precautions:
> Buy only legally sold, EPA-registered pesticides.
> Reread the directions on the label each time you use the pesticide and follow the
directions carefully.
> Use only the amount directed, at the time and under the conditions specified, and
for the purpose listed.
> Use nonchemical methods of pest control when possible.
> Identify the pest and use a pesticide targeted for that pest.
> Ventilate the area during and after pesticide use.
> Dispose of unused pesticides safely.
Anyone considering the use of a pest control company should receive satisfactory answers to
questions about the company's track record, insurance coverage, licenses, affiliation to
professional pest control associations, and the proposed treatment. Questions regarding
pesticide use and safety may be referred to the National Pesticide Information Center at
(800) 858-PEST.
Page 12 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Fact Sheet...
How Hazardous? The Terms
Research shows that people are more likely to read the label and follow
the directions if they feel that the product is hazardous. On the label of all
hazardous household products, you will find one of the following signal words to indicate the
product's potential hazard level to humans: Caution, Warning, or Danger.
CAUTION: In r.aso of sk.ncK
eye contact, f!usn with water
!f swallowed, (jive a oiasstu ''<-•
water or mi:k. Can a oiiySiCi.in.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Ingredients include soil mm
carbonate, sodium silicate and
enzymes
CAUTION indicates the lowest level of potential harm. It
means that the product is not likely to produce permanent
damage as a result of exposure, if appropriate first aid is
given. The eye or skin could become inflamed, or adverse
effects, such as dizziness or stomach upset, could occur if
the product is swallowed or inhaled.
WARNING indicates a higher level of potential harm than
Caution, meaning that you could become seriously ill or
harmed. It also is used to identify products that can easily
catch on fire. These products are required by law to be in
child-resistant packaging.
DANGER indicates the highest level of potential harm.
Accidental exposure of the eye or skin of the product could
produce tissue damage. Swallowing
the product could produce damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach or
even death. This signal word is also used if the material could explode if
exposed to an open flame. These products are required by law to be in
child-resistant packaging. You may also find a skull-and-crossbones
symbol along with words "Danger-Poison" on certain pesticide products.
This means the product is a systemic poison.
Store in a cool, dry piacc,
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Fact Sheet...
Pesticide Regulations
By their very nature, most pesticides create some risk of harm to humans, animals, or the
environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms.
At the same time, pesticides are useful to society because of their ability to kill potential dis-
ease-causing organisms and control insects, weeds, and other pests. In the United States, the
Office of Pesticide Programs within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is chiefly
responsible for regulating pesticides. Biologically-based pesticides, such as pheromones and
microbial pesticides, are becoming increasingly popular and often are safer than traditional
chemical pesticides.
EPA registers and regulates pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenti-
cide Act (FIFRA). Before a company can sell or distribute any pesticide in the United States of
America, EPA must review studies on the pesticide to determine that it will not pose unreason-
able risks to human health or the environment. To make such determinations, EPA requires
more than 100 different scientific studies and tests from applicants. Once EPA has made that
determination, it will license or register that pesticide for use in strict accordance with label
directions.
Child-Resistant Packaging
Since 1981, the FIFRA has required most residential-use pesticides with a signal word of
"danger" or "warning" to be in child-resistant packaging. These are the pesticides that are
most toxic to children. Child-resistant packaging is designed to prevent most children under
the age of five from gaining access to the pesticide, or at least delay their access. However,
individuals must also take precautions to protect children from accidental pesticide poisonings
or exposures and take the time to understand the label.
Page 14 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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READ
fLABEL
FIRST
Fact Sheet...
Disposal of Hazardous Products
Many state laws, municipal codes, local practices, and educational programs, have addressed
the issue of instructing consumers how to dispose of household hazardous waste and contain-
ers. The most frequent recommendation directs consumers to contact local waste manage-
ment authorities for advice on what to do with particular containers. Many states have passed
laws limiting the types of waste that can be put in their landfills, sometimes excluding all haz-
ardous waste, regardless of source. States and municipalities across the country have cre-
ated more than 4,000 hazardous household waste collection events and facilities, and that
number continues to grow. Some products, such as used motor oil, can be recycled and
reused. Consumers are also encouraged to buy only the amount of the product they need.
Limiting the amount of hazardous waste materials or removing them from the solid waste
stream allows municipalities to reduce the potential for accidental exposures to sanitation
workers, materials recovery facility workers, landfill workers, and the environment.
Some general guidance for disposal is outlined below.
Products in pressurized containers
Do Not Puncture or Incinerate!
If empty: Place in trash or offer for recycling if available.
If partly filled: Call your local solid waste agency for disposal
instructions.
Products in non-pressurized containers
This includes liquids and solids (tablets, dusts, gels, pet products, etc.) in all
other types of product containers (e.g., bags, boxes, bottles, cans, bait
stations, squeeze tubes, etc.)
If empty: Do not reuse this container. Place in trash or offer
for recycling if available.
If partly filled: Call your local solid waste agency or for
disposal instructions. Never place unused product down any
indoor or outdoor drain.
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The phrase "call your local solid waste agency" is intended to direct consumers to contact their
local government agency responsible for waste management in order to receive instructions
on how to properly dispose of the product in their area. Disposal instructions and reuse and
recycling capabilities vary from municipality to municipality. For more information on disposal
of hazardous products where you live, call Earth 911 at 800-CLEANUP, or visit
www.earth911.org.
In the past, consumers had been directed to "securely wrap original container in several layers
of newspaper and discard in trash." However, wrapping containers prior to disposal in the
trash does not appear to provide reliable protection to sanitation workers as intended and may
result in accidental or unknown exposures. Consumers were also previously instructed to rinse
their empty containers, but experience has shown that many consumers were confused by
rinsing procedures and often incorrectly disposed of the rinse water down the drain or down
sewers. States have reported detecting some pesticides in drinking water that appear, in
some cases, to be linked to disposal or rinsing in residential waste water systems. There is
also the potential risk of adverse chemical reactions occurring when products are poured
down drains, singly, or in combination with other products. In addition, storage of rinse water is
highly discouraged because of the absence of adequate labeling or packaging.
Page 16 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Outreach Opportunities
The second step in affecting changes in behavior is engaging the public. In the following
pages, we give suggestions on how to approach various segments of the public and engage
their help in preventing accidental poisonings.
> Outreach Activities in Schools
> Outreach Activities at Safety Fairs
> Outreach Activities in Doctors' Offices and Clinics
> Outreach Activities with Retailers
> Outreach Activities with Community Service Organizations
> Outreach Activities with Special Interest Groups
In the following section, we provide information on outreach materials that can be used to carry
out these outreach opportunities. Also, on pages 29-31, there is a list of additional promo-
tional materials.
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Outreach Activities in Schools
The following are some recommended steps for setting up an outreach activity in a school or
daycare setting:
1. Decide whether your efforts will be targeting teachers, parents, or children directly.
2. If students are your target, decide on the grade level and/or age you are interested
in reaching. If teachers are your target, you might want to give a presentation
during an in-service training. If parents are your target, you might want to give a
presentation at a PTA meeting.
2. Determine appropriate materials and/or activities for your audience.
A. Preschool and elementary school children: handout children's activity sheets in kit
and hold a poster contest.
B. Middle/junior high school: sponsor a special prize for the school's science fair
(see sample).
C. High school: sponsor a special prize for the school's science fair (see sample).
D. Teachers: hold a training session on first aid for poisoning, focusing on products
used in schools.
E. Parents: focus on a couple of the fact sheets or give PowerPoint presentation,
and hand out the EPA brochure Protect Your Kids
3. If working with students, decide on the scope you feel comfortable working with.
A. Single classroom (work with individual teacher)
B. All classes with a grade range (possibly work through media center/library)
C. Entire school (arrange for a school assembly)
4. Approach appropriate school official or the president of the PTA. Outline the
problem and describe how you hope to help with a solution. There is a sample
letter included in this kit. If you choose to work with the PTA, send out flyers to the
parents (a sample is included), or place event information in the school newsletter.
All of the samples mentioned above are available on the CD-ROM to make it easier to cus-
tomize to your needs. On pages 29-31 there are sources of additional promotional materials,
including some in Spanish.
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Sample ...
Letter to School Official
Letterhead of Your Organization
[Date]
[School name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear Principal [Name] (or name of PTA President):
Every year poisonings result in nearly 900,000 visits to emergency rooms in the United
States. According to our local poison control center, there were [Get Statistics from Local
Poison Control Center] poisonings in [Location] alone in [Year]. The overwhelming majority of
poisonings occur at home. Many of these poisonings can be safely handled at home if you call
the poison control center. Many common household products can be poisonous, including
pesticides, household cleaners, furniture polish, lighter fluids, cosmetics, and medicines.
Although these products can be beneficial, they can be dangerous if used carelessly or if they
are not stored properly. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, in
2000 alone, an estimated 63,000 children less than six years of age were involved in common
household pesticide-related poisonings or exposures.
The [Name of Your Organization] wants to help address this serious problem by reach-
ing out to the students (teachers or parents) in [Name of School] and teaching them the impor-
tance of reading and understanding the labels of hazardous household chemicals. An ounce
of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Reading the label helps you buy the right product, use it
properly, store it safely, and dispose of it correctly.
We would like to work with students in [grade] (teachers through an in-service or par-
ents at a PTA meeting) by talking with them, helping them complete some handouts on poison
prevention, and holding a poster contest (conducting a science fair project/contest).
I will call you next week to see if we can join together in addressing this serious public
health problem affecting our children.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Title]
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Sample ...
Flyer to Parents for PTA Presentation
An ounce of
prevention is worth
a pound of cure. When
dealing with hazardous
household chemicals,
read the label first!
To: The Parents of Children at
[Name of School]
From: [Name of Your Organization]
What: Poison Prevention
Presentation
Where: [Name of School]
When: [Date & Time of Meeting]
Why: In the United States, a child is acciden-
tally poisoned every 30 second, and more than
half of these poisonings occur at home to chil-
dren under the age of five. Many of these poi-
soning can be safely handled at home if you call
the poison control center. Many common house-
hold products can be poisonous, including "
pesticides, household cleaners, furniture polishes, lighter fluids, medicines, and cosmetics.
Preventing poisonings is the best path to ensure your children's safety and health. In addition
to the danger of the poison, none of the medical treatments for poisonings is risk-free. Some
of the antidotes for poisoning are risky in their own right, and even simple procedures such as
pumping a stomach carry a certain level of risk.
When you buy a product that is potentially poisonous, read the label first so you will understand
the intended use, buy the proper amount, know how to store unused portions, and know how to
dispose of empty containers.
[Name of your organization] is interested in the well-being of the citizens in our community and
will be presenting this material to help keep all of our children safe and healthy. For more
information, please contact us at:
[Name]
[Organization]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Telephone]
[Email]
[Web Site]
Page 20
Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Sample ...
Poster Contest
Many common household products can be poisonous. This includes products such as
kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants, cockroach sprays and baits, products that kill mold
and mildew, flea and tick sprays and powders, pet collars, insect repellants, rat poison, some
lawn and garden products, and some swimming pool chemicals.
The labels of the products contain a lot of important information. Information such as how
dangerous it can be, how much to buy, how to use it, how to store, and how to get rid of the
empty containers. But all labels don't look alike, and they don't have all the same information.
Using a piece of posterboard, make a poster about how important it is for people to read the
label of potentially dangerous household chemicals. Make a poster that will convince people
that they should read all of the label. Some of the things you can put in your poster include:
> Show them where to look
> Tell them why they should look
> Tell them what information they can find in label.
Student's Name:
Student's Grade:
Student's School:
Sponsored by: [Name of Your Organization]
Deadline Date: [Day Month, Year]
Prizes: [List Prizes]
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Sample ...
Science Fair Project
In conjunction with [Name of School's regular science fair project, [Name of Your Organization]
is sponsoring a special prize for the best science fair project on the subject of accidental
poisonings. This does not include intentional poisonings by substance abuse.
Many common household products can be poisonous. This includes products such as
kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants, cockroach sprays and baits, products that kill mold
and mildew, flea and tick sprays and powders, pet collars, insect repellants, rat poison, some
lawn and garden products, and some swimming pool chemicals. The labels of the products
contain a lot of important information. Information such as how dangerous it can be, how much
to buy, how to use it, how to store, and how to get rid of the empty containers.
Your science fair project can be in any format — an essay, the 3D representation, an experi-
ment— and can deal with any aspect of accidental poisonings, such as a label design, statis-
tics on poisonings, analysis of a label's ingredients, poison prevention information, first aid,
where poisons are commonly found, etc. Do NOT experiment with pesticides themselves.
Pesticides should be applied only when necessary, by an adult and in strict accordance with
label directions. If you want your science fair project to be considered for this additional prize,
please fill in the information below and return to [Contact Person] by [Deadline Date]. Good
luck!
Student's Name:
Student's Grade:
Student's School:
Sponsored by: [Name of Your Organization]
Deadline Date: [Day Month, Year]
Prizes: [List Prizes]
Page 22 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Outreach Activities at Safety Fairs
There are frequently opportunities to set up booths or displays at already established fairs.
Check with your state and county agencies for state and county fairs. Also check with local
chapters of organizations such as SafeKids Coalition (www.safekids.org) to participate in any
safety fairs they are planning. Local real estate offices also have "safety day" fairs. You can
also check with local 4-H clubs, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts to see if they have a safety fair
planned. The cost of participation in these fairs may vary greatly from free to reduced fees if
you are a nonprofit organization, to fairly expensive for week-long state fairs.
Some fairs or booths are successfully centered around a theme. Some that would work well
for the prevention of accidental poisonings include spring cleaning, National Poison Preven-
tion Week (the third week of March), National Safety Month (June), spring yard work, and
preparing the swimming pool for summer fun.
If the facilities can accommodate it, plan to run the PowerPoint presentation included on the
CD-ROM. This type of presentation will draw people to your booth. Since the presentation is
set to run continuously and is self-explanatory, it will keep their attention while you are interact-
ing with other attendees. Also order the appropriate EPA brochures for your anticipated
audience, as well as the other promotional items to hand out (see list of materials on pages
29-31). Make copies of the children's activity sheets and set up a child's table and chairs with
crayons and pencils where children can do the activities with your help, or to keep children
occupied while you talk with their parents.
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Outreach Activities in Doctors'
Offices and Clinics
Visit the local emergency clinics and health clinics, as well as doctors' office to request per-
mission to have a poison prevention display in their waiting room. This display can include the
EPA poster, the EPA brochure Protect Your Kids, the Emergency Telephone Number Stickers,
Mr. Yuk stickers, and various other literature from the materials listed on pages 29-31. For
pediatricians' offices, the display can also include some of the children's activity sheets.
If the waiting room can accommodate it, ask the doctor or clinic if they will allow you to run
either the PowerPoint presentation or one of the videos listed in the materials section.
Page 24 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Outreach Activities with Retailers
There are a number of retailers that have a reason to be interested in the issue of accidental
poisoning incidents due to hazardous household chemicals. This would include those that sell:
> household cleaners (grocery stores and supermarkets)
> pet products (pet stores, supermarkets)
> garden pesticides (hardware stores, gardening stores)
> automotive fluids (automotive parts stores, supermarkets)
> cosmetics (supermarkets, department stores, grocery stores)
> medication - both prescription and over the counter (pharmacies, supermarkets, grocery
stores)
The focus on poison prevention can be either at the checkout counter or in the specific areas
of concern, such as the household cleaner aisle.
Some of the activities can include:
> Set up a table in the retailer's store where a volunteer can distribute brochures and fact
sheets on hazardous household chemicals to shoppers.
> For a predetermined time (for instance, during National Poison Prevention Week), ask
the retailer to include a poison prevention fact sheet or EPA brochure in every
shopping bag when a purchase is made.
> Display a point-of-purchase poster, floor graphic in the aisles.
> Set up a window display.
> Run an in-store workshop of poison prevention based on the PowerPoint
presentation.
> Set up a kid's safety center on a prearranged Saturday with poison prevention
activities for children while the parents are shopping.
> Run a children's poster contest (use sample, and if necessary, separate by age
groups).
> Run an "Identify the Parts of a Label" contest with all correct entries going into a
drawing for store merchandise.
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Outreach Activities with
Community Service Organizations
There are many different community service organizations that you can approach regarding
this serious public health concern. Some of them include:
> Kiwanis Club
> Chamber of Commerce
> Elks Club
> Moose Lodge
> Lions Club
> Jaycees
> Churches
You can contact the local branch of the above organizations and request the time to make a
presentation at one of their regular meetings, or offer to write an article on the subject of poi-
son prevention for their newsletter (see samples). You can use the PowerPoint presentation
on the CD-ROM for the presentation and handout EPA's brochure Protect Your Household or
Protect Your Kids.
For those organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce, that traditionally send out "wel-
come kits" of information to new residents, you can request that they include EPA's brochure
Protect Your Household.
Page 26 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Outreach Activities with
Special Interest Groups
There are different types of special groups that could benefit from information on hazardous
household chemicals and accidental poisonings.
> Kennel Clubs. Dog owners use specialized products for the cleaning and health
of their dog that can be potentially hazardous to both people and pets if not used,
stored, and disposed of properly. Pet shampoos, flea baths, and flea and ticket
collars are all designed to keep pets free from pests, but these products are
potentially dangerous to children and to the pets if not properly used. You can
arrange to visit this type of club during one of their regularly scheduled meetings,
give the PowerPoint presentation, and handout EPA's Protect Your Pet brochure.
You can offer to submit an article in their newsletter (see sample).
> Cat Fancier Clubs. As with dog owners, cat owners use specialized products for
the cleaning and health of cats that can be potentially hazardous to both people
and pets if not used, stored, and disposed of properly. Cats provide an additional
challenge because of their curiosity and ability to get into and onto areas that
other animals would not be able to access. Arrange to visit during one of their
regularly scheduled meetings, give the PowerPoint presentation, handout EPA's
Protect Your Pet brochure, and submit an article in their newsletter (see sample).
> Garden Clubs. Gardeners have a wide range of pesticides at their disposal.
However, they should use pesticides properly and never use anything before
reading the instructions. They should be sure that the pesticide being used is
proper for the pest and plant it is being used on. It is a good idea to limit the pesti-
cide treatment to the targeted plants to avoid killing beneficial insects. Again,
arrange to visit during one of the clubs regular meeting, handout EPA's Protect Your
Garden brochure, give the PowerPoint presentation., and submit an article (see
sample) to their newsletter.
> Public Libraries. Public libraries also offer an opportunity for outreach activities.
You can request to set up an information display table with various brochures,
children's activity sheets, and fact sheets. If the library has the necessary set up, you
can also run the PowerPoint presentation.
> Hobbyists. People who are involved in a variety of art and craft processes should
be aware of potentially hazardous supplies. This would include teachers, art
studios, art and craft material supply stores. Try approaching these various
audiences and asking if you can make a presentation on the importance of reading
and understanding the product labels.
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Outreach Materials
This section provides different types of presentation materials, including:
> Brochures and Logos
These pages include an EPA poster, four EPAtri-fold brochure, and a page with
various samples of the Read the Label Firstl logo. The brochures are also included
on the CD-ROM in a pdf format. The poster and logos are available on the CD-ROM
as graphic files. They can be copied and handed out as needed.
> Outreach Promotional Materials
> Additional Resources
> PowerPoint Presentation
This PowerPoint presentation can be used in various settings. At safety fairs, the
presentation can run continuously to catch the eye and attention of fair-goers as
they pass by. It can also be used to give presentations to civic organizations, such as
the Rotary Club, Elks and Lions, Junior Leagues, Jaycees, and the Chamber of
Commerce, at school functions such as PTA meetings or teachers' in-service
programs, and to special audiences such as gardening clubs or kennel clubs. The
presentation is available on the following pages in thumbnail format and
electronically on the enclosed CD.
> Web Pages
If you already have a Web site, the following pages can be dropped into your
existing template and uploaded. This can provide a quick and inexpensive addition
to any of your outreach activities. The pages are provided on the CD-ROM already
marked up in html (hyper-text mark-up language). The graphics are provided in a
.gif format, making them Web-ready.
> Children Activity Sheets
The children's activities cover a range of ages. They can be copied and handed out
at safety fairs, as part of outreach efforts in schools, at doctor's office, and in retail stores.
Page 28 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Read the Label Firsfi Logo
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Outreach Promotional Materials
Bag Clips Clips used to seal chip bags. Free up to 100 clips. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, email: washington.annette@epa.gov.
Booklet Preventing Accidental Poisonings (teaches which home products are
poisonous and how to handle emergencies). Member $1.20, Non-member
$1.60. National Safety Council, (800)621-7619,
http://secure.nsc.org/onlinecart/.
Booklet What You Need to Know About the Safety of Art & Craft Materials
(12-page booklet that answers commonly-asked questions about the
safe use of materials). Single copies free. The Art and Creative Materials
Institute, P.O. Box 479, Hanson, MA 02341, (781)293-4100,
Fax (781) 294-0808, debbief@acminet.org.
Booklet Join Our Pest Patrol: A Backyard Activity Book for Kids, (24-page booklet)
Unlimited free copies, teacher's guide also available. Minnesota
Department of Agriculture, 90 West Plato Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55107,
(651) 296-6121, www.mda.state.mn.us.
Booklet Help Yourself to a Healthy Home, (24-pages). First 20 copies are free, $.60
for each additional one. Available in English and Spanish. University of
Wisconsin, 303 Hiram Smith Hall, Madison, Wl 53706, (608) 262-0024,
homeeasys@wex.edu, www.uwex.edu/healthyhome.
Booklet Surprise! A Cockroach! (12-page children's activity booklet). Free copies.
Available in English and Spanish, National Service Center for Environmen-
tal Publications, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45242-2419, (800)490-
9198, www.epa.gov/ncepihom.
Bookmark Take a Virtual House Tour (EPA #735-H-01 -002). Free copies. National
Service Center for Environmental Publications, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati,
OH 45242-2419, (800)490-9198, www.epa.gov/ncepihom.
Brochure Read the Label First! Protect Your Kids (EPA #740-F-00-001, brochure
about protecting children from exposure to household cleaners and
pesticides). Free copies. National Service Center for Environmental Publica-
tions, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45242-2419, (800)490-9198,
www.epa.gov/ncepihom.
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Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Brochure Read the Label First! Protect Your Pets (EPA#740-F-00-002, brochure
about protecting children from exposure to household cleaners and
pesticides). Free copies. National Service Center for Environmental Publica-
tions, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45242-2419, (800)490-9198,
www.epa.gov/ncepihom.
Brochure Read the Label First! Protect Your Garden (EPA#740-F-00-003, brochure
about protecting children from exposure to household cleaners and
pesticides). Free copies. National Service Center for Environmental Publica-
tions, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45242-2419, (800)490-9198,
www.epa.gov/ncepihom.
Brochure Read the Label First! Protect Your Household (EPA#740-F-00-004,
brochure about protecting children from exposure to household cleaners
and pesticides). Free copies. National Service Center for Environmental
Publications, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45242-2419, (800)490-9198,
www.epa.gov/ncepihom.
Flash Cards Understanding Poisons (4" x 8 3/4" cards, six cards in brilliant colors explain
the four forms of poison, with instructions on the back). One set of cards,
$2. Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Marketing Department, 3705 Fifth
Avenue, Pittsburg, PA 15213, (412)692-5016, fnnmx@chp.edu.
Jar Opener Free up to 100 openers. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, email:
washington.annette@epa.gov.
Magnets Free up to 100 magnets. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, email:
washington.annette@epa.gov.
Pamphlet Clean and Safe (four-page guide to safe use and storage of household
cleaning products). Up to 30 copies free. The Soap and Detergent
Association, 1500 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005, (202) 347-2900,
www.cleaningl 01 .com.
Pamphlet Tips on Child Safety (contains facts on proper use and life-saving effective-
ness of safety caps, advice on how to instill safety consciousness in
preschoolers and general home safety tips). Closure Manufacturers
Association, P.O. Box 1358, Kilmarnock, VA 22482, cmadc@rivnet.net.
Pamphlet Home Safe Home (tips for parents on how to protect young children in
the home environment). Available in Spanish. Up to 100 copies free. The
Soap and Detergent Association, 1500 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washing-
ton, DC 20005, (202) 347-2900, www.cleaning101.com.
NSC's Community Action Kit
Page 31
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Pamphlet Pesticides and Child Safety (EPA #735-R-95-050R, contains tips on safe
guarding children from accidental pesticide poisonings). Also available in
Spanish. Free copies. National Service Center for Environmental
Publications, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45242-2419, (800)490-9198,
www.epa.gov/ncepihom.
Poster Read the Label First! (EPA #735-H-00-001,18" x 24"). Free copies. National
Service Center for Environmental Publications, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati,
OH 45242-2419, (800)490-9198, www.epa.gov/ncepihom.
Poster National Poison Prevention Week - 2003 (11" x 17"). 25 copies $10, 50
copies $18, 100 copies $32, post paid. Poison Prevention Week Council,
P.O. Box 1543, Washington, DC 20013, (800) 222-1222, kgiles@cpsc.gov.
Rulers Free to 100 rulers. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, email:
washington.annette@epa.gov.
Stickers Emergency Telephone Stickers (has spaces to include doctor, pharmacy,
and poison control numbers). Up to 50 copies free, 10 cents for requests
over 50. Council on Family Health, 1155 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite
400, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 331-7373, www.cfhinfo.org.
Stickers Read the Label logo. Free up to 100 stickers. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, email: washington.annette@epa.gov.
Stickers Mr. Yuk Stickers (teaches children to stay away from poisonous products).
$85 per 1,000. Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Marketing Department,
3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburg, PA 15213, (412) 692-5016, finnmx@chp.edu.
Stickers Don't Put Harmful Pesticides in Harmless Containers. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, email: washington.annette@epa.gov.
Video The Travels of Timothy Trent (explains that safety packaging is a valuable
tool that offers an additional margin of safety from accidental poisoning
of children). Order #AVA03690VNB1, $50,10 minutes. U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission, National Technical Information Service,
National Audiovisual Center, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161,
(800) 553-6847.
Video Poison Proof Your Home (shows parents/caregivers how to prevent child
poisonings with a room-by-room, and step-by-step outline of what
hazardous substances are available in a typical household). $15, including
shipping and handling, 30 minutes. Hyper.Active Media and Content, Inc.,
1240 Bay Street, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 2A7,
(416)324-1771, dyorke@hypn.com.
Page 32
Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Additional Resources
The American Academy of Pediatrics and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and
resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young
adults. The AAP has approximately 55,000 members in the United States, Canada and Latin
America. 141 Northwest Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098, (847) 434-4000,
(847)434-8000 (Fax), http://www.aap.org
The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) is a nationwide organization
of poison centers and interested individuals, http://www.aapcc.org
The Internet Public Library site has children's activities and is a project of the University of
Michigan chapter of the American Pharmaceutical Association Academy of Students of Phar-
macy, College of Pharmacy, School of Education, and Internet Public Library, http://
www.ipl.org/youth/poisonsafe/.
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), a cooperative effort of Oregon State Uni-
versity and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has additional on information on more
than 600 pesticide active ingredients incorporated into more than 50,000 different products
registered for use in the United States since 1947. NPIC is a toll-free information service,
(800) 858-7378, operated Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. EST. Oregon State
University, 333 Weniger, Corvallis, OR 97331-6502, http://npic.orst.edu/.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission site has a variety of poison prevention publi-
cations available in both Web format and pdf format, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/
pois_prv.html.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, has
information on the Read the Label First campaign at http://www.epa.gov/opplintr/labeling/
campaign.htm, and information on pesticides and child safety at http://www.epa.gov/pesti-
cides/citizens/childsaf.htm. They also have an interactive Web site to teach about chemicals
in the household at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/kids/hometour/
NSC's Community Action Kit Page 33
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Preventing Accidental
Poisonings in Your
Home
„__ National
[+1 Safety
*- * Council
An ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure. When dealing with
hazardous household products,
read the label first!
Every year poisonings result in nearly 900,000
visits to emergency rooms and some 900
deaths.
The overwhelming majority of poisonings occur
at home.
Many common household products can be
poisonous including pesticides, household
cleaners, furniture polish, lighter fluids,
medicines, and supplements containing iron.
A poison is any substance that can
cause an unintended symptom.
• A child is accidentally poisoned every 30
seconds.
• More than half of these poisonings occur
at home to children under the age of
five.
• Young children are poisoned most often by
things commonly found in the home
such as drugs and cleaning
products.
Poisons can come in four forms:
• Solids (medicine pills, powders, granular
pesticides, etc.)
• Liquids (soap, furniture polish, lighter
fluid, syrup medicines, lotions, etc.)
• Sprays (spray paint, insecticides,
cleaning products, etc.)
• Gas (carbon monoxide, air pollution, gas
fumes, etc.)
Preventing poisonings is the best path for
your safety and health.
In addition to danger of the poison, none of
the medical procedures or drugs used to
treat poisonings is risk-free.
Some of the antidotes for poisoning are
risky in their own right, and even simpl£
procedures such as pumping a
stomach carry a certain level of
risk.
-------
Read the Label
When you buy a product that can potentially
be poisonous to people or pets (i.e., household
cleaner, pesticides). Read the Label First! so
you with
• understand the intended use
• buy the proper amount
• know how to store unused portions
• know how to dispose of empty container
Label Signal Words
On the label of all household hazardous
products, you will find one of the following
signal words
CAUTION indicates the lowest level of potential harm
It means that the product is not likely to produce
permanent damage as a result of exposure, if
appropriate first aid is given
WARNIN6 indicates a higher level of potential harm,
meaning that you could become seriously ill or harmed
These products are required by law to be in child-
resistant packaging
Label Signal Words
DANGER indicates the highest level of potential nan
Accidental exposure of the eye or skin of the product
could produce tissue damage. Swallowing the product
could produce damage to the mouth, throat, and
stomach and even death. These products are required
by law to be in child-resistant packaging You may also
find a skull-and-crossbones symbol along with words
"Danger-Poison" on certain pesticides This means the
product is a systemic poison
Understanding the Label
Tips to Keep Your Family Safe from Poisonings
r Keep poison control center (800/222-1222)
and doctor's phone numbers handy.
t- Keep products in original containers with labels so
you have the first aid and active ingredient information
in case of an accidental poisoning
*• Read the label and follow directions and
precautions for safe and effective use, storage,
disposal, and first aid
f Use hazardous chemical products away from
children, toys, food, and pets, as directed
Tips to Keep Your Family Safe from Poisonings
> Store products out of reach of children, even
if you don't have small children. Many poisonings
happen when children are visiting homes where no
children live
x Properly dispose of unused or unnecessary household
products and unused or expired medicines
f Keep syrup of ipecac available, but use only when
instructed to by a doctor or a poison control center
> If a household chemical has been ingested, call the
poison control center or doctor or follow the first aid
instructions on the label. Have the label ready when you
call
-------
Tips to Keep Your Family Safe from Poisonings
f Never mix two products together unless you
know it is safe
r Buy only the amount you need to do the job
f If you have play equipment or a deck that has been treated
with CCA, you may want to seat it with an oil-based sealant
Always make sure your children wash their hands after
playing with this equipment
r Keep pesticides in locked cabinets and out of the reach of
children
r Never use more pesticides than is recommended on the
label
>> Look for ways to reduce unnecessary use of pesticides
around the home
Household Pesticides
A pesticide is any substance intended for
preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating
any pest. Pests include insects, mice and other
animals, weeds, fungi, and microorganisms like
bacteria and viruses.
By their very nature, most pesticides create
some risk of harm to humans, animals, or the
environment because they are designed to kill or
otherwise adversely affect living organisms
Examples of Household
Pesticides
' Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and samtizers
• Cockroach sprays and baits
- Products that kill mold and mildew
' Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars
- Insect repedants for personal use
- Rat and other rodent poisons
- Some lawn and garden products, such as weed killers
• Some swimming pool chemicals
Poisons: Room by Room
Poisons in the Kitchen
: rtems that might be found
n the kitchen include
- Dishwashing detergent
- Liquid dish soap
" Wsndow cleaner
- Oven cleaner
*- Furniture polish
' Drain cleaner/opener
• Vitamin and medicines
Keep your family safe by
' installing safety latches on lower cupboards to keep youngsters out
r- not placing cleaning compounds and food on sa-n? shelf
f keeping oil substances in their original containers
r keeping cleaning compounds capped while using
*• washing and/or peeling fruits and vegetables to reduce pesticide residues
Poisons in the Bedroom
Some items that might be found in the
bedroom include
Mothballs
Cosmetics
Hair sprays
Nail polish remover
Colognes and perfumes
Medicines
Keep your family safe by
*• hanging mothballs ond crystals m containers out of the reach of children
f keeping personal care items out of the reach of children
f not letting children play with perfumes nail polish and other cosmetics
- keeping medicine out of the reach of children
-------
Poisons in the Bathroom
Some items that might be found in the bedroom
elude
Tile cleaner
Toilet bowi cleaner
Mouthwash
Personal care products
Cosmettcs
Medicines
Stain remover
>Paint thinner
f Laundry detergent
> Bleach
f Fabric softener
Keep your family safe by
f storing hazardous products up high
f installing safety latches on cupboard doors
f cleaning up spills and leaks immediately
** keeping cleaning compounds capped at all times
Poisons in the Garage
Some items that might be found tn the garage
include
*• Gasoline
' Car wax/soap
f Weed killer/pesticides
f Paint
f Windshield washer f uid
<- Antifreeze
-- Kerosene
Keep your family safe by
storing hazardous products up htgh
- installing safety latches on lower cupboard doors
- keeping all substances in their original containers
' cleaning up spills and leaks immediately
' keeping c'eaning compounds capped at all times
' never burning or dumping leftover products on the ground
' giving leftover products to someone else to use
' finding out about your coTirounitys hazardous waste collection uiants
Keep Your Pets Safe, too!
f Poisonous antifreeze
tastes sweet to dogs and cats
- clean up spills and leaks
immediately
> Avoid using pesticides
where pet food is stored or
served
f Store car and cleaning
compounds in a safe area
f Avoid feeding pets human
food - chocolate can poison a
dog Onions are potentially
harmful
First Aid for Poisoning
** In the case of an emergency, try to determine what the person
was exposed to and what part of the body was effected before
you take action
f If the person is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or having
convulsions, give needed first aid immediately
f Call 911 or your local emergency service
•- If the person is awake, conscious, not having trouble breathing,
and not having convulsions, read the label for f rst aid instructions
and contact the nation-wide toll-free number (800/222-1222), or
your doctor
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First Aid for Poisoning
Swallowed poison
Call the nation-wide poison control center at (800)
222-1222. Always keep syrup of ipecac on hand
(one ounce for each child in the household) to use
to induce vomiting if recommended by emergency
personnel Be sure the date is current Induce
vomiting ONLY if emergency personnel tell
you to do so. Some petroleum products or
caustic poisons will cause more damage if the
person is made to vomit.
First Aid for Poisoning
Inhaled poison
Carry or drag person to fresh air immediately. If
you think you need protection such as a respirator
and one is not available to you, call 911 and wait for
emergency equipment before entering the area.
Loosen person's tight clothing. If the person's skin
is blue or the person has stopped breathing, give
artificial respiration (if you know how) and call 911
for help Open doors and windows so no one else will
be poisoned by fumes
First Aid for Poisoning
Poison in eye
If poison splashes into an eye, hold the eyelid open
and wash quickly and gently with clean running water
from the tap or a gentle stream from a hose for at
least 15 minutes Eye damage can occur in a few
minutes with some types of toxic chemicals. If
possible, have someone else contact a poison control
center for you while the victim is being treated Do
not use eye drops or chemicals or drugs in the wash
water.
First Aid for Poisoning
Poison on skin
If toxic chemicals splashes on the skin, drench
area with water and remove contaminated
clothing. Wash skin and hair thoroughly with soap
and water Later, discard contaminated clothing
or thoroughly wash it separately from other
laundry.
Disposal of Hazardous
Household Chemicals
If product is m a pressurized container
bo Not Puncture or Incinerate!
If empty: Place in trash or offer for recycling if
available
If portly filled'- Call your local solid waste agency
for disposal instructions
If product is in o non-pressurized containers
This includes liquids and solids (tablets, dusts, gels, pet
products, etc ) in all other types of product containers
(eg , bags, boxes, bottles, cons, bait stations, squeeze
tubes, etc)
If empty Do not reuse this container Place in trash
or offer for recycling if available
If partly filled Cail your local solid waste agency or
for disposal instructions Never place unused product
down any indoor or outdoor drain
-------
Poison Prevention
Information for Parents
The overwhelming majority of poisonings occur at
home. Although exposure to hazardous substances is
scary and dangerous at any age, children have a
special vulnerability that heightens the danger.
According to the American Association of Poison
Control Centers, in 2001 alone, an estimated 66,000
children under the age of six were involved in
common household chemical-related poisonings or
exposures in the United States.
Poison Prevention
Information for Parents
Children's bodies, behaviors, and
size make them different from and
more vulnerable than aduits to
many environmental health hazards.
In proportion to their size, children
breathe more air, drink more water,
and eat more food than adults. This
means that they are potentially at
greater risk of exposure to
pesticides.
Poison Prevention
Information for Parents
A child is at greater risk for a number of reasons:
> Children's immune systems are less developed and
may be less protective than adults' immune systems.
r Their cells are more easily damaged because they
are not fully developed, and during the rapid growth
of childhood, cells divide very quickly, making it
more likely that a cellular mutation will be
reproduced, and possibly cause cancer.
> With a long life ahead, any problems will have a
greater length of time in which to progress.
Poison Prevention
Information for F'arents
Pesticides may accumulate on floors either because
they are applied on surfaces near floors or because
they are tracked into the house on shoes. Because
children are lower to the ground, their breathing
areas may have higher concentration;; of pesticides
than adult breathing areas. Children's tendency to
put their hands and other objects into Iheir mouth
may also put them at higher risk of exposure to
pesticides.
Poison Prevention
Information for Parents
The most common accidental oral exposures occur
when pesticides have been removed from their
original containers and placed into an unlabeled
bottle, jar or food container. The child does not
realize until too late that the unmarked container
holds a potentially toxic pesticide.
Poison Prevention
Information for Parents
In addition to the danger of the poison, none of the
medical treatments for poisonings is risik-free. Some
of the antidotes for poisoning are risky in their own
right, and even simple procedures such as pumping a
stomach carry a certain level of risk.
-------
Poison Prevention
Information for Parents
Some of the substances involved in exposures to
children under the age of six include:
adhesives and glues
art and crafts supplies
- office supplies
batteries
cleaning substances
cosmetics
• personal care items
• deodorizers
• fertilizers
• paints
- stripping agents
• plants
• pesticides
- medicines and vitamins
• polishes and waxes
- tobacco products
Poison Prevention
Information for Parents
> Always keep the product in the original container
so it is not mistaken for another product, and so you
have the label's first aid information in the event of an
accidental poisoning.
r Store products out the reach of children and get rid
on unused or unnecessary household products and
unused or expired medicines.
e- Keep the nation-wide poison control center's
number, (800) 222-1222, and your doctor's phone
number beside every phone in your home.
Poison Prevention
Information for Parents
Because children do not read, understand or pay
attention to warning signs on hazardous household
chemicals, it is important the adult read and understand
the label before purchasing or using any household
chemical
When you buy a product that is potentially poisonous,
read the label first so you will
f understand the intended use
r buy the proper amount
/- know how to store unused portions
r how to dispose of empty containers.
-------
Poison Prevention Tips
for Pet Owners
According to the the Animal Poison Control
Center, thousand of cats and dogs
needlessly suffer and many die each year
by accidental ingestion of household
poisons, including houseplants and common
foods.
Poison Prevention Tips
for Pet Owners
> Be careful in your selection of plants for your home
and yard. The ingestion of certain plants by an animal
can be fatal.
> Keep your pets from areas where you are
cleaning. Common household cleaner:; have a
variety of properties; some may only cause mild
stomach upset, but others can cause severe burns of
the tongue, mouth and stomach.
- Store all cleaners, pesticides, and medications in a
secured area.
Poison Prevention Tips
for Pet Owners
> Most pest baits contain ingredients that can attract your
pets. When using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or
roach traps, place the products in areas that your pet can't
reach
> Never give your pet medication unless told to by a
veterinarian. Many medications that are safe for humans
can be deadly for animals
> Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of
your pet's reach, preferably in closed cabinets Pain killers,
cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants,
vitamins and diet pills are all examples of human
medications that can be lethal to animals, even in small
doses
Poison Prevention Tips
for Pet Owners
> Food items that potentially could be dangerous to
pets include onions, onion powder, chocolate,
alcoholic beverages, yeast dough, coffee , tea, salt,
macadamia nuts, tomato leaves and stoms (green
parts), rhubarb leaves, avocados, cigarettes, cigars,
snuff, chewing tobacco, moldy or spoiled foods.
y Many common household items (i.e., mothballs,
potpourri oils, pennies, homemade play dough, fabric
softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, and batteries)
can be dangerous to animals.
Poison Prevention Tips
for Pet Owners
> Automotive products such as gasoline, oil, and
antifreeze should be stored in areas that pets can't
reach. Some of them have a sweet taste that is
attractive to animals. As little as one teaspoon of
antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than one
tablespoon can be lethal to a 20-pound dog.
f Before buying a flea product, consult your
veterinarian.
•f Read all of the information on the label before using
a product on your pet or in your home. Always follow
the directions.
Poison Prevention Tips
for Pet Owners
>Do not mix the use of products between animals. If
a product is labeled for use for a cat, don't use it on a
dog and if labeled tor a dog, do not us
-------
Poison Prevention Tips
for Pet Owners
If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to a
hazardous substance, seek medical attention
immediately.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA) has an Animal Poison Control
Center, (888) 426-4435, which is staffed by
veterinarians and veterinary toxicologists. The Center
operates 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. The Center
has no state or federal funding, so there is $45.00 fee
for the call.
-------
Poison Prevention Tips
for Gardeners
Proper lawn maintenance such as fertilizing, watering,
aeration, and thatch removal will help keep your lawn
healthy and reduce the need for chemicals Remember
there are many beneficial insects that do not cause harm,
and which actually eat harmful insects. Be sure to
investigate alternative solutions before resorting to
chemical means.
Poison Prevention Tips
for Gardeners
If a chemical control is necessary, read the label first.
When you read the label, you will
<- understand the intended use,
> buy the proper amount,
> know how to store unused portions, and
/- know how to dispose of the empty container.
Poison Prevention Tips
for Gardeners
Before using a pesticide, remove pet bowls, children's
toys, and other objects from the area to be sprayed.
Put on protective gear.
Wearing protective clothing and equipment when
handling or applying pesticides reduces the risk of
pesticide poisoning because the chance of exposure is
reduced.
At a minimum, when using pesticides, you should wear
rubber boots, rubber gloves, long sleeves, and long
pants. Depending on the type of pesticide and your
individual sensitivity, you might also want to wear
goggles or a respirator.
Poison Prevention Tips
for Gardeners
- Mix the pesticides in a well-ventilated area, and
only use the recommended amount. Using twice the
amount of pesticide will not make the pest twice as
dead, but can cause harm to other living organisms.
> Immediately recap any unused portion, keeping it
in its original container.
> Storage in a safe place out of the reach of children
in a cupboard with a lock or a safety latch.
Poison Prevention Tips
for Gardeners
«- Spray when there is little wind to avoid herbicide
drift, since many flowering plants, trees, and shrubs
are susceptible to herbicides.
<- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while applying
pesticides.
>• Keep children, pets, and other adults out of the
area while you are spraying.
f Don't use more pesticides than is recommended on
the product label.
Poison Prevention Tips
for Gardeners
When you are finished applying the pesticide, clean all
equipment, gloves, and goggles. Wash the protective
clothing separately from other laundry and shower and
shampoo as soon as possible.
Most people are more exposed to pesticides at home
than anywhere else. They track lawn-applied products
into the house even a week or more after they apply
them. The pesticide builds up in carpets, furniture, etc.
Children who play on the floor may be at greatest risk.
Vacuuming removes about one-third of contaminated
dust. A doormat helps, but it's best to remove your
shoes.
-------
National Poison Prevention Week
will be celebrated
March 16-22, 2003
Resources and Links
Types of Poisons in the Home
How to Prevent Poisonings in Your Home
Poison Prevention Tips
First Aid for Poisoning
Pesticides
Understanding a Pesticide Label
How Hazardous7 The Terms
Pesticide Regulations
Disposal of Hazardous Products
Additional information is available on
EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and
Toxic Substances Web site.
President Kennedy signed an act of Congress into law on
September 16, 1961, making the third week of March Poison
Prevention Week. Shortly thereafter, the Poison Prevention
Week Council was organized to coordinate the annual event.
Congress intended this event as a means for local communities
to raise awareness about the dangers of unintentional
poisonings and to encourage prevention
measures.
We are working to raise awareness of the
importance of reading labels on household
cleaners, pesticides, and insecticides. The
label helps you buy the right amount of the
right chemical; tells you how to use, store, and dispose of it
properly; gives first aid information; and provides other
important information.
-------
Types of Poisons in the Home
As consumers, we buy more than a quarter of a million different household products - materials used in and
around the home for medication, cleaning, cosmetic purposes, exterminating insects, and killing weeds.
These items are valuable in the home and for yard maintenance. Misuse, especially when products are
used in inappropriate applications or quantities, can cause illness, injury, and even death.
Unintentional poisonings can happen to anyone, at any time, in many situation. Home unintentional
poisonings, however, can be prevented. Following label directions for all products, including medication
dosages, and proper storage of potentially toxic products are important precautions to heed.
A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or
mitigating any pest. Pests include insects, mice and other animals, unwanted plants (weeds), fungi, or
microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.
Many household products are pesticides, including:
• Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers
• Cockroach sprays and baits
• Insect repellents for personal use
• Rat and other rodent poisons
• Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars
• Products that kill mold and mildew
• Some lawn and garden products, such as weed killers
• Some swimming pool chemicals
Here are some common kinds of pesticides and their function:
• Algicides - Control algae in lakes, canals, swimming pools, water tanks, and other sites.
• Antifouling agents - Kill or repel organisms that attach to underwater surfaces, such as boat
bottoms.
• Antimicrobials - Kill microorganisms (such as bacteria and viruses).
• Attractants - Attract pests (for example, to lure an insect or rodent to a trap).
• Biocides - Kill microorganisms.
• Disinfectants and sanitizers - Kill or inactivate disease-producing microorganisms on inanimate
objects.
• Fungicides - Kill fungi (including blights, mildews, molds, and rusts).
• Fumigants - Produce gas or vapor intended to destroy pests in buildings or soil.
• Herbicides - Kill weeds and other plants that grow where they are not wanted.
• Insecticides - Kill insects and other arthropods.
• Miticides (also called acaricides) - Kill mites that feed on plants and animals.
• Microbial pesticides - Microorganisms that kill, inhibit, or out compete pests, including insects or
other microorganisms.
• Molluscicides - Kill snails and slugs.
• Nematicides - Kill nematodes (microscopic, worm-like organisms that feed on plant roots).
• Ovicides - Kill eggs of insects and mites.
• Pheromones - Biochemicals used to disrupt the mating behavior of insects.
• Repellents - Repel pests, including insects (such as mosquitoes) and birds.
• Rodenticides - Control mice and other rodents.
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How to Prevent Poisonings in Your Home
As consumers, we buy more than a quarter of a million different household products that are used in and
around the home for medication, cleaning, cosmetic purposes, exterminating insects, and killing weeds.
These items are valuable in the home and for yard maintenance. Misuse, especially when products are
used in inappropriate applications or quantities, can cause illness, injury, and even death.
Each year more than 6,000 people die and an estimated 300,000 suffer disabling illnesses as a result of
unintentional poisoning by solid and liquid substances. Unintentional poisonings can happen to anyone, at
any time, in any situation.
Poisonings, however, can be prevented. While child-resistant packaging has greatly reduced the number of
fatalities among children under five years of age, parents, grandparents, and other caregivers must still be
cautious. Following label directions for all products, including medication dosages, and proper storage of
potentially toxic products are important precautions to heed.
Statistics
• Poisonings from solids and liquids such as drugs, medicines, poisonous houseplants, cleaning
products, and pesticides caused 6,300 deaths in the home in 1998 alone.
• An additional 500 deaths in the home in 1998 were due to poisonings from gases and vapors such
as carbon monoxide.
• These deaths are not all among children. Another age group at risk is adults age 25 through 44.
Many adults are unintentionally poisoned when they do not follow label directions on medications or
household chemicals.
You can keep yourself and family members safer by being aware of potential hazards and observing these
suggestions from the National Safety Council on ways to poison-proof your home.
Bathroom
• Have a child-proof cabinet that locks, even if your medicine cabinet is "high up." Youngsters are
inquisitive and avid climbers. They can easily reach a cabinet by climbing from the toilet (or other
convenient object) to the sink and thus reach into the cabinet.
• Use child-resistant caps and keep medication lids tightly closed. A child-resistant cap is
meaningless if not properly fastened after each use.
• Never take medication in front of a child, or refer to pills as candy. Kids often mimic adults. Also,
something that tastes awful to an adult may not faze a small child.
• Always follow the recommended dosage set forth by your doctor for all medications.
• Some mouthwashes contain enough alcohol to poison small children. Consider alternative products.
• Some toilet bowl cleansers are dangerously caustic and capable of burning tissue if ingested.
Bedroom
• Mothballs and crystals should be hung in containers. If such products are used in closets or chests,
they should be out of the reach of toddlers.
• Keep personal care items are such as hair spray, cologne, perfumes, nail polish remover, nail glue
remover, and astringents where children can't get them.
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Living Room
• People who visit may carry medications in coat pockets, jackets, and purses, all of which are perfect
hunting grounds for a curious child. Hang garments and store purses where children are not likely to
get at them.
• Children may be exposed to different lead sources in your home. Small children may chew on
window sills, eat paint chips, or suck on their hands or toys, "exposing themselves to lead dust.
Lead poisoning can cause serious medical problems, especially in young children. Be sure your
home is lead safe.
Kitchen
• Check under the sink and in cabinets. Look for stored products that could be hazardous when
accessible to young children. These could include such items as bleaching agents, rust removers,
drain cleaners, ammonia, oven cleaners, detergents, furniture polish, floor wax, metal polish, wax
remover, and wall/floor/toilet bowl cleaners. Even food extracts, such as vanilla and almond, which
may contain alcohol, can be harmful to children. If products cannot be moved, install safety latches
on cupboard doors to keep inquisitive youngsters out.
• Cleaning compounds and foods should never be stored together.
• Keep all substances in their original containers. Using beverage bottles or cans for storing cleaning
fluids, liquid floor wax, and other household mixtures is very hazardous. Children, and even adults,
might mistake the contents for the original beverage. Also, labels on original containers give
important usage and safety information.
• Keep potentially hazardous cleaning compounds capped. Do not leave an uncapped container
unattended even "just a minute" if toddlers are present.
Additional Precautions
• Keep the number of the national toll-free number, 800-222-1222, or family doctor posted near the
telephone. Have the original container and its label handy when you call.
• Keep syrup of ipecac available but use only when instructed to by a doctor or poison control center.
• Use safety latches or combination locks to prevent curious children from getting into cabinets and
drawers. Don't let children watch you open them. Kids learn fast.
• Many poisonings of youngsters happen when the household routine has been interrupted.
Examples of such changes include: when a parent is ill; when a family is moving; when a family is
on a trip; when there is a guest in the home; when there is family tension; when seasonal products
are in use. In addition, hungry or tired children are prone to putting the first available object they find
into their mouths.
• Throw out unneeded or expired medicines (over-the-counter and prescriptions). Look for the
expiration date. Out-of-date medications may be ineffective and/or dangerous.
• For handling poisonings and other emergencies, everyone should be trained in first aid.
Especially for Older Adults
• Request medicine labels be printed in larger type.
• If one type of child-restraint closure is difficult to use, ask your pharmacist for a different kind
(especially if there are young children around).
• Make sure you are taking the medicine you intended; turn on the lights and double-check the label,
especially when you are sleepy or sick.
• Avoid dosage errors - use dosage containers indicating day of week and/or time of day; don't leave
it to memory.
• If you are taking two or more medications (prescription or over-the-counter), be sure to check with
your pharmacist to avoid unexpected drug interactions.
• Consider a dedicated medicine storage area - even if there are no kids in the house.
-------
Pets are Susceptible, Too!
• Poisonous anti-freeze tastes sweet to dogs and cats - clean up spills and leaks immediately and
store containers carefully.
• Avoid feeding pets human food - chocolate can poison and kill a dog. Onions are potentially
harmful. Pets are healthier eating food specially formulated for what they need.
• Don't spray or store cleaning or pesticide products near pet food or water dishes.
• Make sure animals can't get at bait products while they are in use.
• In the event of a spill, be sure to keep animals out of the area until it is cleaned up.
• Don't forget about wildlife. Spraying products on a windy day can carry the product into the water
supply for wild animals.
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Poison Prevention Tips
Every year poisonings result in nearly 900,000 visits to emergency rooms and some 900 deaths. The
overwhelming majority of poisonings occur at home.
Many common household products can be poisonous including pesticides, household cleaners, furniture
polish, lighter fluids, medicines, and supplements containing iron.
Some tips to keep your family safe:
• Keep the national toll-free number, 800-222-1222, and your doctor phone numbers handy.
• Keep products in original containers with labels.
• Read the label and follow directions and precautions for safe and effective use, storage, and first
aid.
• Use hazardous chemical products away from children, toys, food, and pets, as directed.
• Store products out of reach of children, even if you don't have small children. Many poisonings
happen when children are visiting homes where no children live.
• Properly dispose of unused or unnecessary household products and unused or expired medicines.
• Keep syrup of ipecac available, but use only when instructed to by a doctor or a poison control
center.
• If a household chemical has been ingested, call the poison control center or doctor or follow the first
aid instructions on the label. Have the label ready when you call.
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First Aid for Poisoning
Swallowed poison
Call the national toll-free poison control center at (800) 222-1222. Always keep syrup of ipecac on hand (1
ounce for each child in the household) to use to induce vomiting if recommended by emergency personnel.
Be sure the date is current. Induce vomiting ONLY if emergency personnel on the phone tell you to do so. It
will depend on what the child has swallowed; some petroleum products or caustic poisons will cause more
damage if the child is made to vomit.
Poison in eye
If poison splashes into an eye, hold the eyelid open and wash quickly and gently with clean running water
from the tap or a gentle stream from a hose for at least 15 minutes. Eye damage can occur in a few minutes
with some types of toxic chemical. If possible, have someone else contact a poison control center, while the
victim is being treated. Do not use eye drops or chemicals or drugs in the wash water.
Poison on skin
If toxic chemicals splashes on the skin, drench area with water and remove contaminated clothing. Wash
skin and hair thoroughly with soap and water. Later, discard contaminated clothing or thoroughly wash it
separately from other laundry.
Inhaled poison
Carry or drag victim to fresh air immediately. If you think you need protection such as a respirator and one is
not available to you, call the fire department and wait for emergency equipment before entering the area.
Loosen victim's tight clothing. If the victim's skin is blue or the victim has stopped breathing, give artificial
respiration (if you know how) and call rescue service for help. Open doors and windows so no one else will
be poisoned by fumes.
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Pesticides
What Are Pesticides?
A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or
mitigating any pest. Pests can be insects, mice and other animals, unwanted plants (weeds), fungi, or
microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Many household products are pesticides, including:
• Cockroach sprays and baits
• Insect repellents for personal use.
• Rat and other rodent poisons.
• Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars.
• Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers.
• Products that kill mold and mildew.
• Some lawn and garden products, such as weed killers.
• Some swimming pool chemicals.
By their very nature, most pesticides create some risk of harm to humans, animals, or the environment
because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect pests. At the same time, pesticides are
useful to society because of their ability to kill potential disease-causing organisms and control insects,
weeds, and other pests.
Where Are They Found?
Pesticides are potential hazards in many buildings because they are widely used to reduce many household
pests, including those associated with indoor plants, pets, and wood and woolen products, and because
they are tracked in from the outdoors. Pesticides used in and around the home include products to control
insects (insecticides), termites (termiticides), rodents (rodenticides), fungi (fungicides), and microbes
(disinfectants). They are sold as liquids, sprays, powders, crystals, balls, and foggers.
Surveys show that 75 percent of homes in the United States use at least one pesticide product indoors per
year. Those most often used are insecticides and disinfectants. However, studies suggest that 80 to 90
percent of exposures to pesticides occur indoors and that measurable levels of up to a dozen pesticides
have been found in the air inside homes. Residential exposure results not only from the use of pesticides in
the home but also from pesticides coming into the house from other sources.
What Are the Health Effects?
Potential human risks include acute effects that manifest immediately after exposure to a pesticide and
chronic effects that result from long-term exposures to pesticides. Acute effects of exposure to pesticides,
commonly referred to as apesticide poisoning.a are most often result of pesticide misuse, including
application of pesticides in a manner inconsistent with product label instructions. Acute exposure effects
include skin rash, headache, dizziness, muscle pain and stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, and
breathing difficulties. Since some of the symptoms of pesticide poisoning are be similar to those
characteristic of the flu or other disease, if you have one or more of these symptoms, it is important to tell
your doctor if these symptoms first appeared after using or being exposed to a pesticide. EPA estimates
there are approximately 250-500 physician-diagnosed cases of pesticide poisoning each year for each
100,000 agricultural workers. Data collected from Poison Control Centers found that, in 2001, an estimated
66,000 children were involved in common household pesticide-related poisoning or exposure incidents.
-------
Chronic health effects resulting from long-term exposure to pesticides are also a concern. These health
effects may include potential carcinogenicity, reproductive effects, and effects on the central nervous
system. EPA has banned or eliminated exposure to a number of pesticides suspected to have chronic
human health effects. A significant epidemiological study begun in 1993, called the Agricultural Health
Study, is monitoring the health of about 90,000 pesticide handlers to determine whether any particular
pesticide exposure leads to cancer, reproductive effects, or other chronic effects. In general, EPA and public
health professionals recommend the public limit their exposure to pesticides because, despite all the testing,
it is not usually possible to rule out a pesticides potential contribution to chronic disease.
In 2000, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that more than 1,294,000 children, 12
years old and younger, were involved in common household pesticide poisonings or exposures. In
households with children, almost one-half stored at least one pesticide product within reach of the children.
How Can You Reduce Exposure to Pesticides in Your Home?
To reduce risks when you are using pesticides, take these precautions:
• Buy only legally sold, EPA-registered pesticides.
• Reread the directions on the label each time you use the pesticide and follow the directions
carefully. Use only the amount directed, at the time and under the conditions specified, and for the
purpose listed.
• Use nonchemical methods of pest control when possible.
• Identify the pest and use a pesticide targeted for that pest.
• Ventilate the area during and after pesticide use.
• Dispose of unused pesticides safely.
• Anyone considering the use of a pest control company should receive satisfactory answers to
questions about the companyas track record, insurance coverage, licenses, affiliation to
professional pest control associations, and the proposed treatment. Questions regarding pesticide
use and safety may be referred to the National Pesticide Information Center at (800) 858-PEST.
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Understanding a Pesticide Label
Always read the label first! The label helps you buy the right amount of the right chemical;
tells you how to store and dispose of it properly; gives first aid information; and provides
other important information.
PRODUCT NAME
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7. First Aid Instructions
This section tells you what to do first if someone accidentally swallows or breathes the pesticide, or gets it
on their skin or in their eyes. Labels may also contain a section labeled "Note to Physicians,' which provides
doctors with specific medical information.
8. Active Ingredients
This section identifies the active ingredient(s) in the product. The active ingredient controls the pests listed
on the label.
9. Other Ingredients (Inert Ingredients)
This section tells you the percentage of other ingredients (sometimes called inert ingredients) in the product.
The names of the other ingredients may not be shown on the label. These other ingredients do not control
the pest, but serve other purposes, such as dissolving the active ingredient or affecting how the product
works.
10. Warranty Statement
This statement is intended to limit a company's liability, or to act as a disclaimer or as a warranty for the
product.
11. Manufacturer's Address
This section shows the name and address, and sometimes phone number, of the manufacturer or distributor
of the product.
12. Net Weight/Net Content Statement
This section identifies how much pesticide product is in the container.
13. EPA Registration Number
All pesticides products sold in the United States must be registered with the EPA. The registration number
shows the product has been reviewed by the EPA and that the EPA has determined the product can be
used with minimal risk if you follow the directions on the label properly. The number is not an endorsement
or guarantee of product effectiveness.
14. EPA Establishment Number
This section gives the number which identifies the particular facility where the final phase of production of
the pesticide product took place.
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Pesticide Regulations
By their very nature, most pesticides create some risk of harm to humans, animals, or the environment
because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms. At the same time,
pesticides are useful to society because of their ability to kill potential disease-causing organisms and
control insects, weeds, and other pests. In the United States, the Office of Pesticide Programs within the
Environmental Protection Agency is chiefly responsible for regulating pesticides. Biologically-based
pesticides, such as pheromones and microbial pesticides, are becoming increasingly popular and often are
safer than traditional chemical pesticides.
EPA registers and regulates pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA). Before a company can sell or distribute any pesticide in the United States of America, EPA must
review studies on the pesticide to determine that it will not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the
environment. To make such determinations, EPA requires more than 100 different scientific studies and
tests from applicants. Once EPA has made that determination, it will license or register that pesticide for use
in strict accordance with label directions.
Child-Resistant Packaging
Since 1981, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act has required most residential-use
pesticides with a signal word of "danger" or "warning" to be in child-resistant packaging. These are the
pesticides that are most toxic to children. Child-resistant packaging is designed to prevent most children
under the age of five from gaining access to the pesticide, or at least delay their access. However,
individuals must also take precautions to protect children from accidental pesticide poisonings or exposures
and take the time to understand the label.
-------
Disposal of Hazardous Products
Many state laws, municipal codes, local practices, and educational programs, have addressed the issue of
instructing consumers how to dispose of household hazardous waste and containers. The most frequent
recommendation directs consumers to contact local waste management authorities for advice on what to do
with particular containers. Many states have passed laws limiting the types of waste that can be put in their
landfills, sometimes excluding all hazardous waste, regardless of source. States and municipalities across
the country have created more than 4,000 hazardous household waste collection events and facilities, and
that number continues to grow. Some products, such as used motor oil, can be recycled and reused.
Consumers are also encouraged to buy only the amount of the product they need.
Limiting the amount of hazardous waste materials or removing them from the solid waste stream allows
municipalities to reduce the potential for accidental exposures to sanitation workers, materials recovery
facility workers, landfill workers, and the environment.
Some general guidance for disposal is outlined below.
Products in pressurized containers
• Do Not Puncture or Incinerate!
• If empty: Place in trash or offer for recycling if available.
• If partly filled: Call your local solid waste agency for disposal instructions.
Products in non-pressurized containers
This includes liquids and solids (tablets, dusts, gels, pet products, etc.) in all other types of product
containers (e.g., bags, boxes, bottles, cans, bait stations, squeeze tubes, etc.)
• If empty: Do not reuse this container. Place in trash or offer for recycling if available.
• If partly filled: Call your local solid waste agency or for disposal instructions. Never place unused
product down any indoor or outdoor drain.
The phrase "call your local solid waste agency" is intended to direct consumers to contact their local
government agency responsible for waste management in order to receive instructions on how to properly
dispose of the product in their area. Disposal instructions and reuse and recycling capabilities vary from
municipality to municipality. For more information on disposal of hazardous products where you live, call
Earth 911 at 800-CLEANUP or visits www.earth911.orq.
In the past, consumers had been directed to "securely wrap original container in several layers of
newspaper and discard in trash." However, wrapping containers prior to disposal in the trash does not
appear to provide reliable protection to sanitation workers as intended and may result in accidental or
unknown exposures. Consumers were also previously instructed to rinse their empty containers, but
experience has shown that many consumers were confused by rinsing procedures and often incorrectly
disposed of the rinse water down the drain or down sewers. States have reported detecting some pesticides
in drinking water that appear, in some cases, to be linked to disposal or rinsing in residential waste water
systems. There is also the potential risk of adverse chemical reactions occurring when products are poured
down drains, singly, or in combination with other products. In addition, storage of rinse water is highly
discouraged because of the absence of adequate labeling or packaging.
-------
Children's Activity...
Connect the Dots and Color
EA
LABE
RST
Page 34
Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
-------
Children's Activity...
Connect the Dots and Circle the Label
11.
12. 13».
21.22!
16.
20. 23.
1?819. 24
25
26.
V
27.
\
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28.
29.
30.
31.
6.
32.
33.
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34.
35.
36.
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NSC's Community Action Kit
Page 35
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Children's Activity ...
Word Search
S LAS O !P S I
DREN I C IIDEMOlXrAO
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O L-AJXTMOUTH WTNG C
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CLEANERS FIRST AID MEDICINE SKIN
DANGER HARM MOUTH STORA6E
DISPOSAL HURT POISON SWALLOW
DOCTOR LABEL READ WARNING
Page 36 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
-------
Children's Activity...
Make Words from the Phrase:
Accidental Poisoning Prevention
NSC's Community Action Kit Page 37
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Children's Activity...
Secret Message
Using the code key below, decipher the secret message about poison safety.
CODE:
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
= H
= I
— J
= K
— L
= M
= N
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
= 0
= P
= Q
= R
= S
= T
= U
5
4
3
2
1
= V
_ w
= X
= Y
= Z
26 13 12 6 13 24 22
12 21
11 9 22 5 22 13 7 18 12 13 18 8
4 12 9 7 19 26 11 12 6 13 23 12 21
24 6 9 22.
7 12
11 9 22 5 22 13 7
26 24 24 18 23 22 13 7 26 15
11 12 18 8 12 13 18 13 20 8,' 9 22 26 23 7 19 22 15 26 25 22 15
2l Is T T T! '
Page 38
Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Children's Activity...
Crossword Puzzle
Across
1. A product that kills pests
4. Never call this candy
7. A household product that gets rid of dirt, but
could be harmful if swallowed
9. Always use the original container for
13. A lowest level signal word found on a label
14. If someone swallows poison, call the poison
control
16. Keep out of children's
17. Child's symbol meaning poison, Mr.
18. A place where herbicides are used
19. Important for seeing
Down
1. To keep a bad thing from happening
2. Setting rid of a hazardous substance
3. Person who you see when you get sick
5. The word for the highest level of possible harm
on a label
6. Another word for 13 across
8. Something that can make you sick if you use it
improperly
10. One should always put this first
11. Something on a cupboard or door that keeps
people out
12. Like hurt
NSC's Community Action Kit
Page 39
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Children's Activity...
Matching Game
Match the type of pesticide with the pest it is intended to eliminate by drawing a line from
poison to pest.
Algicides
Antimicrobials
Disinfectants
Fungicides
Herbicides
Insecticides
Miticides
Molluscicides
Nematicides
Ovicides
Rodenticides
worm-like organisms that feed on plant
roots
snails and slugs
mildews and molds
eggs of insects and mites
bacteria and viruses
algae
weeds and other unwanted plants
insects
rats and mice and other rodents
microorganisms on inanimate objects
mites that feed on plants and animals
Page 40
Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Children's Activity...
Answer Keys
Word Search
Crossword Puzzle
Make Words
ACCIDENT
POISON
SON
IS
ON
ONE
PAIN
OLD
COLD
GOLD
PREVENT
VENT
EVENT
DENT
DENTAL
RENTAL
ACID
INNINGS
POLE
PRONE
LATE
PLATE
RENT
PESTICIDE
PEST
PAINT
RAIN
ACTION
SLATE
RAN
LONG
NEVER
ALONE
DANGER
GEAR
GONE
TONE
VOTE
PINT
RANGE
PET
CAT
DOG
NEAR
GOING
Secret Message
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure. To prevent accidental poisonings, read
the label first!
Matching Game
Algicides
Antimicrobials
Disinfectants
Fungicides
Herbicides
Insecticides
Miticides
Molluscicides
Nematicides
Ovicides
Rodenticides
algae
bacteria and viruses
microorganisms on
inanimate objects
mildews and molds
weeds and other
unwanted plants
insects
mites that feed on
plants and animals
snails and slugs
worm-like organisms
that feed on plant
roots
eggs of insects and
mites
rats and mice and
other rodents
NSC's Community Action Kit
Page 41
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Getting the Word Out
The third step in changing behavior is making sure people know about your activities. You
need to get the word out by engaging the media. You need to articulate what your intent is:
desire to influence behavior through education and an awareness of the dangers of hazardous
household chemicals and the need to read the label on these products.
For the general media, there are two types of articles: feature stories which you can propose
at any time because they are not tied into a timely event (see sample Preventing Accidental
Poisonings and A Child's Vulnerability to Poison); and news stories which give information that
people need to know in a timely manner because they are tied to special events, breaking
news, or a new campaign activity (see samples for National Poison Prevention Week and
National Safety Month). When submitting an article for consideration to the general media, be
prepared to also give them the names of local experts (someone from the local poison control
center, a doctor, a veterinarian, etc.), from whom they can get a quote. Also give them sources
for additional data (such as can be found in the Additional Resources section of this kit).
Real life stories are more interesting to most general media outlets than reports. You have a
better chance of getting more in-depth coverage if you can tie in a human interest element —
someone who has been personally effected by an accidental poisoning.
Articles can also be submitted for specialized audiences. These can be placed in the newslet-
ters of garden clubs, schools, kennel clubs, and community service organizations (see
samples).
You also need to determine your target audience. Different articles are effective in different
sections of newspapers. Articles on accidental poisonings written for parents with young
children are more likely to be effective if placed in a health section. Articles written for garden-
ers on the proper use of pesticides are more likely to be effective if placed in a home and
garden section.
Many media outlets and various clubs and service organizations also have on-line versions of
their publications. If you are able to place an article with them, be sure to include your Web
site as a source of additional information. You can use the preformatted Web pages included
on the CD-ROM to add poison prevention information to your Web site.
Page 42 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Sample News Feature Article ...
Preventing Accidental Poisonings
Every year poisonings result in nearly 900,000 visits to emergency rooms. According to [Local
Poison Control Center], [Your Location] had [Local Statistic] poisonings during [Year] alone. The
overwhelming majority of poisonings occur at home. As consumers, we buy more than a quarter of
a million different household products — materials used in and around the home for medication,
cleaning, cosmetic purposes, exterminating insects, and killing weeds. These items are valuable,
but misuse — especially when used in inappropriate applications or quantities — can cause illness,
injury, and even death.
Many household products are pesticides. By their very nature, most pesticides create some risk
of harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise
adversely affect living organisms. Some common household products that are pesticides include
kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers, cockroach sprays and baits, insect repellents
for personal use, rat and other rodent poisons, flea and tick sprays and powders, flea and tick pet
collars, products that kill mold and mildew, weed killers, and some swimming pool chemicals.
Most poisonings can be prevented by following some basic safety precautions. The first step is
to read the label of a potentially poisonous product before you buy it. When you read the label first,
you will understand the intended use, buy the proper amount, know how to store unused portions,
and know how to dispose of the empty container.
Preventing poisonings is the best path for your family's safety. In addition to the danger of the
poison, none of the medical procedures or drugs used to treat poisonings is risk-free. Some of the
antidotes for poisoning are risky in their own right, and even simple procedures such as pumping a
stomach carry a certain level of risk.
The most common accidental oral exposures occur when pesticides have been removed from
their original containers and placed into a different or unlabeled bottle, jar, or food container. People,
especially children and the elderly, sometimes do not realize until too late that the unmarked con-
tainer holds a potentially toxic pesticide. Keep products in their original container with the label
intact. Not only will this help prevent accidental ingestion, but you will also have the first aid informa-
tion and the active ingredients if you need to call your doctor or poison control center when an
accidental poisoning occurs.
There are potentially poisonous products in almost every room in the house. Store these prod-
ucts out of the reach of children, even if you don't have small children. Many poisonings happen
when children are visiting homes where no children live. Don't store food and potentially poisonous
products on the same shelf, and keep cupboards with hazardous products locked or closed with a
safety latch. Remember even personal care items such as cosmetics, mouthwash, hair sprays,
and perfumes can be poisonous if ingested by a child. When you have visitors, place their jackets
and handbags out of the reach of curious children. Clean up spills and leaks from cleaners and
automotive products immediately, especially if you have pets, because these products can have a
sweet taste that is attractive to animals. Immediately replace the cap when using these products, so
a distraction won't lead to a tragedy.
Keep the nation-wide poison control center's number, (800) 222-1222, and your doctor's phone
number beside every phone in your home.
For more information, contact [Name of Your Organization], or visit [Web site].
NSC's Community Action Kit Page 43
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Sample News Feature Article ...
A Child's Vulnerability to Poison
Every year poisonings result in nearly 900,000 visits to emergency rooms. According to [Local
Poison Control Center], [Your Location] had [Local Statistic] poisonings during [Year] alone. The
overwhelming majority of poisonings occur at home. Although exposure to hazardous substances is
scary and dangerous at any age, children have a special vulnerability that heightens the danger.
According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, in 2001 alone, an estimated
66,000 children under the age of six were involved in common household chemical-related poison-
ings or exposures in the United States.
A child is at greater risk for a number of reasons. Children's immune systems are less devel-
oped and therefore less protective. Their cells are more easily damaged because they are not fully
developed, and during the rapid growth of childhood, cells divide very quickly, making it more likely
that a cellular mutation will be reproduced, and possibly cause cancer. Also, with a long life ahead,
any problems will have a greater length of time in which to progress. Children absorb greater
concentrations of pesticides and "toxic" chemicals per pound of body weight through inhalation,
ingestion, and contact with the skin.
Because children are lower to the ground, both standing and through a tendency to play on the
floor, children's breathing areas are likely to have higher pesticide concentrations. Children play on
treated floors and grounds, and their unwashed hands or other objects, which may contain pesticide
residues, can find their way into the child's mouth. The most common accidental oral exposures
occur when pesticides have been removed from their original containers and placed into an unla-
beled bottle, jar or food container. The child does not realize until too late that the unmarked con-
tainer holds a potentially toxic pesticide.
In addition to the danger of the poison, none of the medical treatments for poisonings is risk-free.
Some of the antidotes for poisoning are risky in their own right, and even simple procedures such as
pumping a stomach carry a certain level of risk.
Some of the substances involved in exposures to children under the age of six include adhesives
and glues, art and crafts supplies, office supplies, batteries, cleaning substances, cosmetics and
personal care items, deodorizers, fertilizers, paints and stripping agents, plants, pesticides, medi-
cines and vitamins, polishes and waxes, and tobacco products.
Because children do not read, understand or pay attention to warning signs on hazardous
household chemicals, it is important the adult read and understand the label before purchasing or
using any household chemical. When you buy a product that is potentially poisonous, read the label
first so you will understand the intended use, buy the proper amount, know how to store unused
portions, and how to dispose of empty containers. Always keep the product in the original container
so it is not mistaken for another product, and so you have the label's first aid information in the event
of an accidental poisoning. Store products out the reach of children and get rid on unused or unnec-
essary household products and unused or expired medicines.
Keep the nation-wide poison control center's number, (800) 222-1222, and your doctor's phone
number beside every phone in your home.
For more information, contact [Name of Your Organization], or visit [Web site].
Page 44 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Sample Newsletter Article...
Poison Prevention Tips for Pet Owners
According to the Animal Poison Control Center, thousands of cats and dogs needlessly suffer and
many die each year by accidental ingestion of household poisons, including popular houseplants and
common foods. To ensure the health and safety of your pet, as well as children who visit your home,
follow the simple tips below.
> Be careful in your selection of plants for your home and yard. The ingestion of certain
plants by an animal can be fatal.
> Keep your pets from areas where you are cleaning. Common household cleaners have a
variety of properties; some may only cause mild stomach upset, but others can cause
severe burns of the tongue, mouth and stomach.
> Store all cleaners, pesticides, and medications in a secured area.
> Most pest baits contain ingredients that can attract your pets. When using rat, mouse,
snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps, place the products in areas that your pet can't
reach.
> Never give your pet medication unless told to by a veterinarian. Many medications that
are safe for humans can be deadly for animals.
> Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of your pet's reach, preferably in
closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins
and diet pills are all examples of human medications that can be lethal to animals, even in
small doses.
> Food items that potentially could be dangerous to pets include onions, onion powder,
chocolate, alcoholic beverages, yeast dough, coffee , tea, salt, macadamia nuts, tomato
leaves and stems (green parts), rhubarb leaves, avocados , cigarettes, cigars, snuff, chew-
ing tobacco, moldy or spoiled foods.
> Many common household items (i.e., mothballs, potpourri oils, pennies, homemade play
dough, fabric softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, and batteries) can be dangerous to
animals.
> Automotive products such as gasoline, oil, and antifreeze should be stored in areas that
pets can't reach. Some of them have a sweet taste that is attractive to animals. As little as
one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than one tablespoon can be lethal
to a 20-pound dog.
> Before buying a flea product, consult your veterinarian.
> Read all of the information on the label before using a product on your pet or in your
home. Always follow the directions.
> Do not mix the use of products between animals. If a product is labeled for use for a cat,
don't use it on a dog and if labeled for a dog, do not use it on a cat.
> Make sure your pet can not enter areas in which insecticidal foggers or house sprays have
been applied for the period of time indicated on the label.
> If you are uncertain about the proper usage of any product, contact the manufacturer
and/or your veterinarian for instructions.
> If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to a hazardous substance, seek medical
attention immediately.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has an Animal Poison
Control Center, (888) 426-4435, which is staffed by veterinarians and veterinary toxicologists. The
Center operates 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. The Center has no state or federal funding, so
there is $45.00 fee for the call.
NSC's Community Action Kit Page 45
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Sample Newsletter Article...
Pesticide Poison Prevention
in the Garden
Proper lawn maintenance such as fertilizing, watering, aeration, and thatch removal will
help keep your lawn healthy and reduce the need for chemicals. Remember there are many
beneficial insects that do not cause harm, and which actually eat harmful insects. Be sure to
investigate alternative solutions before resorting to chemical means.
If a chemical control is necessary, read the label first. When you read the label, you will
understand the intended use, buy the proper amount, know how to store unused portions, and
know how to dispose of the empty container.
Before using a pesticide, remove pet bowls, children's toys, and other objects from the
area to be sprayed. Put on protective gear. Wearing protective clothing and equipment when
handling or applying pesticides reduces the risk of pesticide poisoning because the chance of
exposure is reduced. At a minimum, when using pesticides, you should wear rubber boots,
rubber gloves, long sleeves, and long pants. Depending on the type of pesticide and your
individual sensitivity, you might also want to wear goggles or a respirator.
Mix the pesticides in a well-ventilated area, and only use the recommended amount. Using
twice the amount of pesticide will not make the pest twice as dead, but can cause harm to
other living organisms. Immediately recap any unused portion, keeping it in its original con-
tainer. Storage in a safe place out of the reach of children in a cupboard with a lock or a
safety latch.
Spray when there is little wind to avoid herbicide drift, since many flowering plants, trees,
and shrubs are susceptible to herbicides. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while applying pesti-
cides. Keep children, pets, and other adults out of the area while you are spraying.
When you are finished applying the pesticide, clean all equipment, gloves, and goggles.
Wash the protective clothing separately from other laundry and shower and shampoo as soon
as possible. Most people are more exposed to pesticides at home than anywhere else. They
track lawn-applied products into the house even a week or more after they apply them. The
pesticide builds up in carpets, furniture, etc. Children who play on the floor may be at greatest
risk. Vacuuming removes about one-third of contaminated dust. Adoormat helps, but it's best
to remove your shoes.
Keep children off treated areas for two days or until it has rained or you have watered the
area. If you are spraying food crops make sure you check the days to harvest. For example
the label says do not apply to cabbage within 30 days of harvest. This means that the cabbage
cannot be harvested until 30 days have passed since the time of spraying. If you harvest prior
to this you run the risk of pesticide residues remaining in the food.
For more information, contact [Name of Your Organization], or visit [Your Web Site].
Page 46 Poison Prevention: Read the Label First!
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Sample News Release...
[Your Organization] Announces Poison
Prevention Campaign
[Your Organization Letterhead]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [date]
CONTACT: [name and phone number]
[YOUR COMMUNITY]
ANNOUNCES POISON PREVENTION CAMPAIGN
[YOUR CITY, STATE, DATE]: Every year poisonings result in nearly 900,000 visits to
emergency rooms, said [Your Spokesperson] today, launching a campaign to raise awareness
of accidental poisonings and how to prevent them. An according [Local Poison Control Cen-
ter] in [Location] there were [Statistics] poisonings in [Year] alone.
"The overwhelming majority of poisonings occur at home," [Name, Title] said in announcing
[Name of Campaign]. "As consumers, we buy more than a quarter of a million different house-
hold products — materials used in and around the home for medication, cleaning, cosmetic
purposes, exterminating insects, and killing weeds. These items are valuable, but misuse can
cause illness, injury, and even death."
Many household products are pesticides. By their very nature, most pesticides create
some risk of harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or
otherwise adversely affect living organisms. Some common household products that are
pesticides include kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers, cockroach sprays
and baits, insect repellents for personal use, rat and other rodent poisons, flea and tick sprays
and powders, flea and tick pet collars, products that kill mold and mildew, weed killers, and
some swimming pool chemicals.
[Name of Your Organization] will work with [describe target audience(s)] to raise aware-
ness of accidental poisonings and will provide materials and information how to prevent this
serious public health issue, [Spokesperson] said.
Most poisonings can be prevented by following some basic safety precautions, said
[Spokesperson]. One of the most important is to read the label of a potentially poisonous
product before you buy it. When you read the label first, you will understand the intended use,
buy the proper amount, know how to store unused portions, and know how to dispose of the
empty container. Keep the nation-wide poison control center's number, (800) 222-1222, and
your doctor's phone number beside every phone in your home.
[Your Organization] will launch the [Program Name] in [City] with [describe kick-off event,
including time, date and place information as appropriate, and other plans for the coming
year].
For more information on [Organization's Program Name], contact [Spokesperson's Name]
at [Organization's Name, Address, and Phone Number] or visit [Web site].
NSC's Community Action Kit Page 47
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Sample Press Release...
[Your Organization] Supports National
Poison Prevention Week
[Your Organization Letterhead]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [date]
CONTACT: [name and phone number]
[YOUR COMMUNITY]
SUPPORTS NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK
[City, State] - National Poison Prevention Week was established by the U.S. Congress on
September 16,1961, in an effort to reduce the number of poisonings. In support of National
Poison Prevention week, March 16-22,2003, the [Your Organization] is launching an informa-
tional campaign to raise awareness of the importance of reading labels on household clean-
ers, pesticides, and insecticides. The label helps you buy the right amount of the right chemi-
cal; tells you how to use, store and dispose of it properly; gives first aid information; and
provides other important information.
In 2000 there were 2,168,248 human toxic exposures reported to 63 poison control cen-
ters in the United States. Nearly 53% of these exposures involved children younger than six
years old.
[Spokesperson] advises, "Taking just a few minutes to read the label on household clean-
ers and pesticides can help protect you and your loved ones from accidental poisonings."
Keep the nation-wide poison control center's number, (800) 222-1222, and your doctor's
phone number beside every phone in your home.
Many household products are pesticides. By their very nature, most pesticides create
some risk of harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or
otherwise adversely affect living organisms. Some common household products that are
pesticides include kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers, cockroach sprays
and baits, insect repellents for personal use, rat and other rodent poisons, flea and tick sprays
and powders, flea and tick pet collars, products that kill mold and mildew, weed killers, and
some swimming pool chemicals.
[Name of Your Organization] will work with [describe target audience(s)] to raise aware-
ness of accidental poisonings and will provide materials and information how to prevent this
serious public health issue, [Spokesperson] said. To receive more information on how to
become involved in this important public health issue during Poison Prevention Week, contact
[Contact Person] at [Contact Information] or visit [Web site].
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to Protect Children
from Environmental Risks
Help children breathe easier
• Don't smoke and don't let others smoke in your home or car.
• Keep your home as clean as possible. Dust, mold, certain household pests,
secondhand smoke, and pet dander can trigger asthma attacks and allergies.
• Limit outdoor activity on ozone alert days when air pollution is especially harmful.
• Walk, use bicycles, pin or form carpools, and take public transportation.
• Limit motor vehicle idling.
• Avoid open burning.
Protect children from lead poisoning
• Get kids tested for lead by their doctor or health care provider.
• Test your home for lead paint hazards if it was built before 1978.
• Wash children's hands before they eat; wash bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
• Wash floors and window sills to protect kids from dust and peeling paint
contaminated with lead—especially in older homes.
• Run the cold water for at least 30 seconds to flush lead from pipes.
Keep pesticides and other toxic chemicals away from children
• Store food and trash in closed containers to keep pests from coming into your home.
• Use baits and traps when you can; place baits and traps where kids can't get them.
• Read product labels and follow directions.
• Store pesticides and toxic chemicals where kids can't reach them—never put them in other
containers that kids can mistake for food or drink.
• Keep children, toys, and pets away when pesticides are applied; don't let them play in fields, orchards,
and gardens after pesticides have been used for at least the time recommended on the pesticide label.
• Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating—peel them before eating, when possible.
Protect children from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning
• Have fuel-burning appliances, furnace flues, and chimneys checked once a year.
• Never use gas ovens or burners for heat; never use barbecues or grills indoors or in the garage.
• Never sleep in rooms with unvented gas or kerosene space heaters.
• Don't run cars or lawnmowers in the garage.
• Install in sleeping areas a CO alarm that meets UL, IAS, or Canadian standards.
Protect children from contaminated fish and polluted water
• Be alert for local fish advisories or beach closings. Contact your local health department.
• Take used motor oil to a recycling center; properly dispose of toxic household chemicals.
• Learn what's in your drinking water—call your local public water supplier for annual drinking water
quality reports; for private drinking water wells, have them tested annually by a certified laboratory.
Call I -800-426-4791 or contact www.epa.gov/safewater for help.
Safeguard children from high levels of radon
• Test your home for radon with a home test kit.
• Fix your home if your radon level is 4 pCi/L or higher. For help,
call your state radon office or I -800-SOS-RADON.
Protect children from too much sun
• Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15+ on kids over six months;
keep infants out of direct sunlight.
• Limit time in the mid-day sun—the sun is most intense
between 10 and 4.
Keep children and mercury apart
• Eat a balanced diet but avoid fish with high levels of mercury.
• Replace mercury thermometers with digital thermometers.
• Don't let kids handle or play with mercury.
• Never heat or burn mercury.
• Contact your state or local health or environment
department if mercury is spilled—never vacuum a spill.
Call toll-free I-877-590-KIDS for more information or check out EPA'sWeb site at WWW.epa.gOV/children
EPA Office of Children's Health Protection EPA IOO-F-02-004
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Ajrude a los nines a respirar aire no contaminadc
• No fume ni permita a otros fumar en su casa o automovil.
• Mantenga su casa lo mas limpia posible. El polvo, el moho, los msectos, el humo del tabaco y la caspa de los
animales domesticos pueden causar ataques de asma y alergias.
• Evite las actividades al aire libre cuando hay anuncios de alerta a causa de altos niveles de ozono en el aire.
• Para no contnbuir a la contamination del aire, camine, use la bicicleta, participe en grupos para compartir
transporte en automovil pnvado ("carpools") y use transporte piiblico.
• Evite dejar prendido el motor de su vehiculo innecesariamente.
• No haga fogatas ni quemas al aire libre.
Prole ja a los nines del envenenamienlo con plonto
• Haga examinar a sus ninos para saber si tienen plomo en la sangre. Hable con su medico sobre la prueba necesana.
• Si su vivienda fue construida antes de 1978, realice una prueba para saber si existe pehgro por pintura con plomo
(Llame a su departamento de salud local o estatal para obtener mas information.)
• Lave las manos de los ninos antes de comer y lave con frecuencia los biberones, y |uguetes de los ninos.
• Lave los pisos y marcos de ventanas para proteger a los ninos del polvo y de la pintura descascarada, que puede
estar contaminada con plomo, especialmente en viviendas viejas.
• Antes de usar agua, deje abierto el chorro de la Have por 30 segundos antes para dejar salir el agua contaminada
con plomo de las tuberias.
Mantenga los peslicidas y otros quimices toxicos f uera del alcance de los ninos
• Guarde la comida y la basura en recipientes cerrados para evitar que haya plagas (insectos o ratas) dentro de su casa.
• Use trampas con cebo en vez de msecticidas en aerosol ("spray") siempre que sea posible—y siempre
mantenganlas fuera del alcance de los ninos.
• Lea las etiquetas de los productos y siga las instrucciones.
• Guarde los pesticidas y otros quimicos toxicos en un lugar seguro donde los ninos no los pueden alcanzar y
nunca ponga pesticidas o quimicos toxicos en envases de refrescos o recipientes de comida, y asi evitara que los
ninos los ingieran por error.
• Mantenga a los ninos, los juguetes y las mascotas alejados cuando este usando pesticidas y no deje que los ninos
jueguen en campos, huertos o jardmes donde hayan sido aplicados pesticidas, por lo menos por el periodo de
tiempo recomendado en la etiqueta del pesticida.
• Lave las frutas y vegetales bajo un chorro de agua antes de comerlos. Pelelos antes de comerlos siempre que se;i posible.
Prete ja a los ninos del envenenamiento con monoxide de carbono (CO)
• En su hogar haga revisar una vez al afio todas las tuberias de salida de humos de calderas de calefaccion
y chimeneas, asi como tambien otros aparatos que usen combustible.
• Nunca use el horno o las hornillas de su cocina como calefaccion. Tampoco prenda parrillas para asar
o cocinar alimentos dentro de su casa o en su garaje.
• Nunca duenna, ni usted ni sus ninos, en cuartos en donde haya estufas o calentadores de gas o de queroseno sin ventilation.
• No deje funcionando el motor de un automovil o el de una cortadora de pasto dentro de un garaje cerrado.
• Instale en todos los cuartos de su casa, usados para dormir, detectores de monoxide de carbono (CO) que
cumplan con los estandares de Underwriters Laboratories (UL), de International Approval Service (IAS) o del
gobierno de Canada y que cuenten con el sello de certification respective.
Prote ja a los nines de pescado jr de agua contaminados
• Llame al departamento de salud local o estatal para mantenerse informado sobre mensajes de precaucion sobre
pescado contaminado, obtener recomendaciones para limitar la cantidad de pescado que puede consumirse y
sobre clausuras de playas.
• Lleve el aceite de motores usado a centres de reciclaje y deshagase de manera apropiada de quimicos toxicos de jso
domestico. (Llame a su departamento de salud o su departamento ambiental local o estatal para obtener mas information.)
• Mantengase informado sobre la calidad del agua potable en el lugar donde usted vive. —Llame a la empresa local
de suministro de agua potable y solicite una copia del informe anual de calidad de agua potable o, si el agua de su
casa viene de un pozo privado de agua potable, haga que la calidad del agua sea analizada todos los anos por un
laboratorio certificado. Para obtener ayuda, Name al numero 1-800-426-4791 (linea en ingles) u obtenga
information en Internet en la direction www.epa.gov/safewater.
Prote ja a los nines de altos niveles de gas radon
• Haga en su casa la prueba de radon con un "kit" especial para hacer esa prueba en casas.
• Repare su casa si, segun el resultado de la prueba realizada, el nivel de radon es de 4 pCi/L o superior. Si necesita
ayuda, Name a la oficina estatal de radon o al numero I-800-SOS-RADON (linea en ingles).
Prote ja a les nines de la exposicien excesiva al sol
• Asegurese de que los ninos usen sombreros o gorros de ala ancha, anteojos para el sol y ropa adecuada para su protection.
• Use cremas bloqueadoras solares con un Factor de Protection Solar (SPF) de 15 o superior en bebes de rras de seis
meses de edad y evite exponer directamente a los bebes a los rayos del sol.
• Evite exponer a los ninos al sol del mediodia. El sol es mas fuerte entre las 10 de la manana y las 4 de la tarde.
Mantenga a los nines le jes del mercurie
• Coma una dieta balanceada pero evite pescado contaminado con altos niveles de mercuric.
• Reemplace los termometros de mercuric con termometros digitales.
• No deje que los ninos jueguen con mercurio.
• Nunca caliente o queme mercurio.
• Contacts al departamento de salud o medio ambiente de su estado o localidad si hay
un derrame de mercurio—nunca use una aspiradora para limpiar un derrame de mercurio.
Para mayor informacidn, llame gratis al telefono I -877-590-KIDS 6 visile la pagina en Internet WWW.epa.gov/children
(informaci6n disponible solamente en ingles).
Agencia de Protection Ambiental de los EUA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA IOO-F-02-004
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