Better safe than sorry! The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection reminds New Yorkers of preventive measures to reduce the risks of accidental poisonings that can occur to children, adults and pets in the home.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poisoning is a significant problem in the United States and is the leading cause of deaths from unintentional injuries, surpassing motor vehicle accidents.
Everyday household items—such as cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products, medications, or faulty carbon monoxide alarms—can cause serious harm if not stored or maintained properly.
This alert is given within the framework of the recent “National Poison Prevention Week”, established in 1961 and created to raise awareness about poisoning prevention and safety. This serves as a good reminder to review potential dangers and secure toxic substances in order to avoid unnecessary illness or tragedy.
“We encourage New Yorkers to take simple steps to make their homes safer,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley.
‘Everyday household items such as cleaning products, medications and personal care products can pose serious risks if not stored correctly. By keeping these items out of the reach of children and pets, carefully reading product labels for proper use instructions, and keeping carbon monoxide alarms operational, families can help prevent accidental poisonings and protect their loved ones.”
Follow these poison prevention tips:
– Find out about the risks:
Read labels on household items to understand the risks associated with your exposure. Teach children to stay away from personal care and household cleaning products, and use appropriate language; For example, never refer to medicines as candy, as this can be confusing to children.
– Keep toxic products out of the reach of children:
Young children (under 6 years of age) are at high risk of exposure. According to the National Poison Data System, cosmetics, personal care products, cleaning products, and medications top the list of most common exposures.
Lock these items (with childproof locks) or keep them out of reach and sight to prevent accidental exposure. Also, pay special attention to toxic items that may be confusing to children, such as those that resemble candy, juice, or other edible products.
Some common examples include:
– Laundry detergent capsules, dishwasher capsules or colored tablets, which may look like candy.
– Colored cleaning liquids that look like juices. Always store household cleaning products in their original containers and not in food containers or other bottles, where it may be difficult to tell what is in the container.
– All medications, vitamins or gummies (soft candies) containing CBD or THC.
– All items containing alcohol (mouthwashes, perfumes, hand sanitizers, food extracts, etc.).
Pet emergency
– Emergency veterinary visits caused by pets ingesting household items are common. Keep plants such as lilies and aloe vera out of the reach of dogs and cats, especially those that can climb to high places.
– Rodenticides and insecticides can be especially harmful if pets ingest dead rodents or insects that have consumed these products.
– Dogs and cats may also be attracted to the sweet taste of cleaning products, essential oils, sunscreens, and lotions; Likewise, some pets tend to quickly eat anything that accidentally falls on the floor, such as pills or pieces of food.
– Remember to be vigilant during family gatherings and holidays, times when food is usually more abundant and accessible. Even the most nutritious foods can be deadly to our furry family members. These foods include: Chocolate, Grapes, Raisins, Onions, Garlic and Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum).
carbon monoxide
– Carbon monoxide exposure causes thousands of emergency room visits each year. Consumers should be sure to install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas, and to test their operation monthly.
– Clean your home safely: Reduce the risk of inhaling toxic fumes from household cleaning products. Open windows or turn on fans while using cleaning products. Never mix chemicals or household cleaners, as this could create harmful gases. Spray products away from people and pets, and wear gloves to avoid contact of products with skin.
– Reduce the risks of poisoning outside the home: Pesticides can be dangerous even in small quantities, as they can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. If you use pesticides, such as insecticides or repellents, wear long sleeves, gloves, and other protective clothing.
– Stay away from areas that have been sprayed with pesticides until the product has completely dried (for at least 1 hour). If your skin comes into contact with pesticides, be sure to rinse the area with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and wash clothing after using chemicals.
Help lines
Additional help resources can be found on the American Association of Poison Control Centers website at https://poisoncenters.org/.
The New York State Department of Health also offers resources through two poison control centers:
– Upstate New York Poison Control Center:
Location: Upstate Medical University. The Upstate New York Poison Center at 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210.
Counties served: All in New York, excluding NYC, Long Island and Westchester.
Emergency telephone numbers (TOLL FREE): 1-800-222-1222; TTY: (315) 464-5424.
Website address: upstate.edu/poison .
– New York City Regional Poison Control Center:
Location: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at 455 First Avenue, Room 123, NY 10016.
Counties served: Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester.
Emergency telephone numbers (TOLL FREE): 1-800-222-1222; TTY: (212) 689-9014.
Website address: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/poison-control.page
Available Resources
For any questions regarding animal poisoning in New York State, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435), the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680), or your veterinarian.
It should be noted that the New York State Department of Health has resources to help prevent accidental exposures in the section “Poison Proof Your Home” (Protect your home against poisons).
The community is reminded that the Division of Consumer Protection has the mission of educating, assisting and empowering consumers in the state of New York. Consumers can file a complaint at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection .
For more information, call the Division of Consumer Protection Help Line at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit the DCP website at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection .
You can also communicate through X, formerly Twitter, at @NYSConsumer or through Facebook on the page www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.
