It’s National Poison Prevention Week

Did you know that poisoning is the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States?

Don’t let your family get fooled by everyday items! For instance, be aware that:

• Cleaning products can look like fruit drinks;
• Mice/rat baits and poison, as well as medicine for adults, can look like candy; and
• Medicated cream can look like toothpaste.

To keep your family and your home safe:

• Store all poisonous products in their original containers.
• Keep dangerous products locked up out of children’s reach.
• Use child-resistant locks and keep cleaners out of low cabinets.
• Bleach is toxic. Do not mix it with anything other than water.

If you think someone has been poisoned from a household chemical, call 212-POISONS (212-764-7667) or 800–222–1222. The NYC Poison Center is available 24/7 and has translation services in more than 150 languages. All calls are free and confidential. Registered pharmacists and nurses certified in poison information can provide treatment advice and information about potential poisons and medicine safety.

If someone has been potentially exposed to a poison and is awake and alert, you should call the NYC Poison Center immediately, even if there are no symptoms of poisoning. For ingested poisons, do not try to make the person throw up. If the person is unconscious, convulsing, having seizures, or having trouble breathing, call 911.

For more information, visit the NYC Health Department’s website.

If you have questions about this or any environmental health and safety matter, please email ehs@nycha.nyc.gov. Residents, employees, and any member of the public can submit environmental health and safety concerns at on.nyc.gov/submit-concern.