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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrevent Home Accidents Preventing Accidents in the Home. Learn about household chemical risks. Experts in the field of chemical manufacturing suggest that moving hazardous materials out of sight could eliminate up to 75 percent of all poisonings of small children. • Learn to recognize the symptoms of toxic poisoning: o Difficulty in breathing. o Irritation of the eyes, skin, throat, or respiratory tract. o Changes in skin color. o Headache or blurred vision. o Dizziness or nausea. o Clumsiness or lack of coordination. o Cramps or diarrhea.  Keep all medicines, cosmetics, cleaning products, and other household chemicals out of sight and out of reach of children.  Discard medicines that are no longer being used or that are outdated, and place the empty container in the trash. Flush old medications down the toilet.  Store household chemicals according to the instructions on the label. Non-food products should be stored in tightly closed, original containers so you can always identify the contents and how to properly use the product.  Avoid mixing common household chemical products. Some combinations of these products, such as ammonia and chlorine bleach, can create toxic gases.  Always read the directions before using a new product.  Call local officials or recycling agencies to learn how to properly dispose of a chemical.  Never smoke while using household chemicals. Avoid using hair spray, cleaning solutions, point products, or pesticides near the open flame of an appliance, pilot light, lighted candle, fireplace, wood burning stove, etc.  If you spill a chemical, clean it up immediately with rags, being careful to protect your eyes and skin. Allow the fumes in the rags to evaporate outdoors in a safe place.  Buy only as much of a chemical as you think you will use. Storing hazardous chemicals increases risk to chemical emergencies.  Keep an A-B-C-rated fire extinguisher in the home and car, and learn how to use them.  Post telephone numbers of the poison control center by all telephones. In an emergency situation you may not have time to look up critical phone numbers.  Learn to detect the presence of a hazardous material. Recognizing them immediately will allow you to take steps 10 avoid direct contact and limit your exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals.