What makes a house a home? Some may say the people in it. Others may say the things inside of it. No matter your opinion, we all take steps to make our houses feel more “home-y,” which should include safety. Whether you spend the whole day at home, or just a few hours, you want to make sure it is a safe place for you and your family to enjoy.
With that thought in mind, we welcome you to the fifth and final edition of our home safety series. More than 90% of poisonings happen in the home. This series has taken a closer look at some of the poison hazards that you might find in different rooms in your house. Below, we focus on the laundry room and garage. Keep an eye out for these potential poisons, and make sure you use and store them safely.
Bleach
Safe Use: Many people think that bleach is a deadly poison, but it actually is not when it is used correctly. If a small amount is swallowed, bleach can be irritating to the throat and stomach. Never use a drinking cup to measure bleach. It can be mistaken for water and swallowed. If bleach splashes into your eyes or onto your skin, follow these first aid for poisoning steps and call the poison center for more help. Follow the directions on the label closely when using bleach to clean. If you are using other cleaning products after bleach, wipe or rinse the area thoroughly before using the next product. Mixing bleach with other cleaners can be dangerous.
Safe Storage: Only store bleach in its original, labeled container. Do not store bleach in drink or food containers. When not in use, make sure the cap is closed tight and the container is up, away, and out of sight.
Laundry Detergents and Packets
Safe Use: If detergent splashes into your eyes or onto your skin, follow these first aid for poisoning steps and call the poison center for more help. If any laundry detergent spills where a child or pet could get to it, wipe it up. Don’t use drinking cups to measure liquid detergent, as a young child can easily mistake it for a drink. It might be tempting to have young children help with the laundry by letting them put the laundry packet in the machine. But, because these packets are often colorful and look like candy, children might try to put them in their mouth. The packets are also squishy. If a child squeezes them, the concentrated liquid can get in their eyes.
Safe Storage: These products should be stored up, away, and out of sight. The colorful look and appealing smell can cause children to mistake these products for another item they could eat or drink.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuel. To help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not use a generator while it’s inside the house or garage. Also, make sure to keep a running generator at least 20 feet away from windows and doors. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can also help keep you and your family safe.
Do not let the car run while it’s in the garage, even if the garage door is open. Carbon monoxide can build up in the car and get into the house.
Kerosene and Gasoline
Safe Use: Do not leave these products out between uses. If the product splashes into your eyes or onto your skin, follow these first aid for poisoning steps and call the poison center for more help. Swallowing a small amount usually will not cause problems if the liquid makes it to the stomach. But, if you gasp or gag after realizing you have these products in your mouth, they can get into the lungs and cause irritation or inflammation that requires medical attention.
Safe Storage: Ensure the cap is on tightly after use. Keep these products up, away, and out of sight. Store these products in labeled containers.
Paint Removers and Thinners
Safe Use: These products can be irritating to the eyes, lungs, and skin. Always use in a well-ventilated area. If the product splashes into your eyes or onto your skin, follow these first aid for poisoning steps and call the poison center for more help. Paint removers (also called paint strippers) contain ingredients that are dangerous if swallowed or inhaled.
Safe Storage: Keep these products up, away, and out of sight. Store them in labeled containers.
Bug and Weed Killers
Safe Use: Follow the directions on the label carefully each time you use the product. While spraying, wear proper attire such as long-sleeves, long pants, socks, shoes, and gloves. When you’re finished, remove and wash all clothing. Children and pets should not be outside when these products are being used.
Safe Storage: Store these products up, away, and out of sight. Keep them in their original labeled containers.
Antifreeze and Windshield Washer Fluid
Safe Use: If any product spills, clean it up right away. Even if it spills outside, be sure to clean it up because it is harmful for animals to ingest. If a pet comes across a spill, they will lap it up because it tastes sweet.
Safe Storage: Always store antifreeze in the original labeled container. Never store it in a beverage container, as it can be easily mistaken for juice. Store up, away, and out of sight.
Fertilizers
Safe Use: Follow the directions on the label closely. Supervise children and pets around sprayed and treated areas. After walking through or playing on recently fertilized grass, wipe off shoes and wash off hands and legs that may have come in contact with the grass. Wipe off your dog’s nose and feet after they have been out on fertilized grass.
Safe Storage: Store these products up, away, and out of sight. Keep them in their original labeled containers.
Be on the lookout for these common items in your laundry room and garage to help make those areas a safe space for family and guests. If you think someone has ingested or been exposed to any of the above products, call the poison center right away at 1-800-222-1222. Pharmacists and nurses will determine what steps you need to take. Do not wait for symptoms! Thanks for following along with our home safety series.
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