Poison Proofing Your Home

Black Widow vs. Brown Recluse Slideshow

• Poison Proofing Your Home Introduction
• Reasons for Poison Proofing Your Home
• Protect Yourself from Household Chemicals
• Protect Yourself from Poisonings Due to Medications
• Protect Yourself from Poisoning Due to Plants
• Special Tips for Homes With Very Young Children
• What to Do When a Poisoning Occurs
• Treatment in the Emergency Department
• What Is the Poison Control Center?
• For More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• References
• Authors and Editors

Poison Proofing Your Home Introduction

Each year, millions of people are accidentally poisoned. The cause of poisonings often varies according to the age of the victim. Children younger than 6 years of age, for example, are at a greater risk of swallowing household cleaners and other products because they are curious and like to put substances in their mouths. Older adults taking several medications may become forgetful and mistakenly take too much of a medication or the wrong kind of medication.

A poison is any substance that is injurious to health or life. Many ordinary substances found in the home can cause an unintentional poisoning. People can help to protect themselves and their family members by following simple steps to make the home safe from poisons.