National Poison Prevention Week – EPA Urges Public to Keep All Pesticides in Original Containers to Prevent Accidental Poisoning

EPA Pesticide Program Updates From EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs www.epa.gov/pesticides March 21, 2017 In This Update: National Poison Prevention Week – EPA Urges Public to Keep All Pesticides in Original Containers to Prevent Accidental Poisoning National Poison Prevention Week is March 19-25. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is highlighting the dangers of removing pesticides and other household chemicals from their original containers and storing them in bottles or cans that can be mistaken for drink. Poison Control Centers have reported cases of accidental poisonings from ingestion of chemical substances stored in soda and juice bottles and cans, coffee cups, baby bottles and various other beverage containers. One of the simplest ways to prevent poisonings is to always keep products in their original containers. Product labels contain valuable use instructions and important precautions and first aid needed in case of an emergency. National Poison Prevention Week is a time to raise awareness about simple steps that can be taken to prevent poisonings. Most poisonings happen in people’s homes and are preventable. Here are tips to reduce exposure: • Post the Poison Control Centers’ national helpline number, 1-800-222-1222, near your phone. Program the number into your phone's "address book." • Read the product label first and follow the directions to the letter. • Never transfer pesticides and other household chemical products to containers that may be mistaken for food or drink. • Re-close products if interrupted during application (e.g., phone call, doorbell, etc.). • Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container tightly after use. • Make sure all of your household cleaning and pesticide products are stored out of children’s reach and use childproof locks on low cabinets. • Remove children, pets, and toys before applying pesticides (inside or outside the home). Follow label directions to determine when children and pets can re-enter the area that has been treated. More information about poisoning prevention in your home: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-02/documents/children.pdf https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/reduce-your-childs-chances-pesticide-poisoning See this for more information on poison-proofing your home and safely controlling pests in an around your home: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-10/documents/roombyroom-checklist.pdf https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/got-pests-control-them-safely EPA distributes its Pesticide Program Updates to external stakeholders and citizens who have expressed an interest in the agency's pesticide program activities and decisions. This update service is part of EPA’s continuing effort to improve public access to federal pesticide information. For general questions about pesticides and pesticide poisoning prevention, contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), by email at npic@ace.orst.edu or, by visiting http://npic.orst.edu. For information about ongoing activities in the Office of Pesticide Programs, visit our homepage at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides.