The NYCHA Journal

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Poison Prevention Week
Health & Safety Top Story 

It’s National Poison Prevention Week

Michael

It’s National Poison Prevention Week, and NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to provide the following poison prevention and safety tips to help you and your family stay safe in and outside your home.

First, save the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone and display it in your home and at work in case of emergency (or if you have questions).

Poisoning prevention tips

Practice Safe Storage Habits

The following items should be stored up, away, and out of sight of children, and in their original containers. Alternatively, keep these substances in cabinets secured with child-resistant locks.  

  • All medicines and pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter medicines, prescription medicines, vitamins, and supplements
  • Cleaning products, laundry detergent, and cosmetics (and don’t mix cleaning products together).
  • Tobacco and e-cigarette products, especially liquid nicotine
  • Alcohol
  • Pesticides and insect repellents
  • Button batteries, such as those found in musical greeting cards, key fobs, etc.
  • Any type of oil or lubricant, including fragrance oils, tiki torch oils, engine oil, etc.
  • Personal care products, especially contact lens disinfectants and hand sanitizers

Read and Follow Labels and Directions

  • Make a habit to read product labels before each use, especially medications.
  • Be sure to follow usage directions and the instructions for safe storge and disposal.
  • Supervise young children when using hand sanitizer.

Poison-Proof Your Home

  • Identify potential poisons inside and outside your home.
  • Keep poisons up high and out of reach of children.
  • Keep products in their original container with the label intact.
  • Never store poisons in a food or beverage container.
  • Use child-resistant containers and make sure they are closed properly.
Poison storage tip

First Aid for Poisoning

For any exposure, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.

  • Skin contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water
  • Eye exposure: Thoroughly rinse for 20 minutes
  • Ingestion or swallowed: Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222

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.

For more information on poison prevention, please visit: