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National poison prevention week
Health & Safety Top Story 

It’s National Poison Prevention Week

Michael

Did you know that most poisonings happen in people’s homes and are preventable? In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) would like to provide the following information on how to stay protected from the poisons that are often found at home.

Keep your child safe

Keep Loved Ones Safe

Younger children have a higher risk of being injured at home because that’s where they spend most of their time. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:

  • Install safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers to help prevent poisonings and other injuries.
  • Use covers that snap over doorknobs to prevent young children from turning them.
  • Store laundry pods in the original, closed container out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Keep coin lithium batteries and button batteries, and any devices that contain them, out of the reach of children (the batteries can be fatal if swallowed). Keep any loose or spare batteries locked away.
  • Keep choking hazards, toxic substances, and hot or sharp items out of reach.
  • Have your child use safety glasses during activities such as woodworking, science experiments involving chemicals, racquetball, paintball, or whenever there’s flying debris.
  • Continue childproofing your home even when your children are no longer toddlers.
Keep medication out of sight and reach

Keep These Common Household Pesticides Out of Children’s Reach

  • Bath and kitchen disinfectants and sanitizers, including bleach;
  • Products used to kill mold or mildew;
  • Roach sprays and baits;
  • Insect repellents;
  • Rat and other rodent poisons; and
  • Flea and tick shampoos, powders, and dips for pets.

Reduce Exposure from Dangerous Poisons

  • 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 drinks. Keep the household chemical product in the original container.  Product labels contain valuable use instructions and important precautions, as well as first aid needed in case of an emergency.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Other Simple Reminders

  • Alert all caregivers about the potential dangers of pesticides and share these tips with them.
  • Teach children that “pesticides are poisons” and that they should not be touched.
  • Pesticides you use to control fleas and ticks on your pets can be transferred to your children. Protect your pets and children by carefully following the label directions and precautions. 

If you think someone has been poisoned from a household chemical, call 1–800–222–1222 for your local Poison Center. This national, toll-free number works from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Keep the number in or near your phone.

Poison help: 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 about poison prevention, please visit: