Causes of Fatigue Slideshow Pictures How To Make A Healthy Home Slideshow Pictures Bed Bugs Quiz

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Protect Yourself from Household Chemicals

The following tips can help to prevent accidental poisoning from household chemicals:

• Keep products in their original containers with the labels in place. Often, the label can provide important information about the product and what to do in case of poisoning.
  
  
• Store foods separately from household chemicals. Containers often look similar, making it easy for both children and adults to make mistakes. If possible, store cleaning products outside the kitchen.
  
  
• Do not mix different products. Mixing products can create poisonous gases.
  
  
• Store household chemicals out of reach of small children. Use safety locks on cabinets and avoid storing potentially dangerous products in cabinets close to the floor or ground.
  
  
• Watch children closely when using cleaning products. Most poisonings occur while the cleaning product is being used. Return all cleaning products to their original storage location immediately after use.
  
  
• Wear appropriate protective clothing when using spray products and pesticides. Protective clothing can include long sleeves, pants, gloves, socks, and shoes.
  
  
• Avoid areas where pesticides have recently been sprayed. Pesticides are absorbed easily through the skin and can be poisonous.
  
  
• Discard old or outdated products that could represent a poisoning hazard.