Important information on syrup of ipecac

Protect yourself from breathing household poisons

INDEX What's dangerous? Be safe, not sorry Warning signs of a breathing injury Protect children

Breathing chemical fumes or sprays can hurt you. Thousands of people are poisoned each year by the incorrect use of products found in the house, basement, garage and garden.

What's dangerous?

1. Mixing products:

Household cleaners can create poison gas. Two examples are:

• Mixing together chlorine bleach or chlorine cleansers with ammonia.
• Mixing together chlorine products with shower tile cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner or any type of acid.

2. Breathing too much of these:

• adhesive
• carburetor cleaner
• drain cleaner
• furniture polish
• glue
• hair permanent and straightener
• nail glue and polish remover
• oven cleaner
• opaquing (correction) fluid
• paint solvent, thinner, and stripper
• photographic and copying chemical
• pool acid and chlorine
• silver and other metal polishes
• waterproofing sprays

Many of the above can also irritate the skin and eyes and some can go through the skin into the body.


3. Using pesticides in the wrong way:

Misuse or overuse of bug sprays or other pesticides can expose you to harmful chemicals. It is very important to carefully read and follow the directions on the label.

An insecticide fogger (or "bomb") can be a special problem.

• It comes in an aerosol can which releases its spray for several hours.
• As soon as a fogger is set off, everyone should leave.
• Take pets (and fish tanks) with you.
• The exact amount of time to stay out is usually on the label-it can be up to 12 hours or more.
• Upon reentering, open windows immediately to air out the house.
• DO NOT use the fogger as a hand held spray.

Be safe, not sorry:

• Read labels and follow directions carefully.
• Never mix products together unless the product instructions state it is safe to do so.
• Turn on fans and open windows wide when using products.
• Limit the amount of time you are using products that give off fumes.
• Wear gloves and clothing to protect your skin.
• More isn't always better. Use no more than you need to do a job.
• Never bring products home from work. They are usually stronger and more poisonous, and are not intended for home use.
• Thoroughly clean any area after using anything that may be poisonous.
• Before using a spray, be sure that the nozzle is pointed away from you.
• Tightly close containers after use to prevent release of fumes.
• Keep all household products in their original labelled containers. Never reuse product containers for anything else.
• Never sniff containers to discover what is inside.
• Completely rinse off the first product before applying a second product.

  

Warning signs of a breathing injury:

• trouble breathing (This often happens right after breathing a chemical, but sometimes it can be hours later.)
• chest pain/burning
• coughing
• dizziness
• dry throat
• hoarseness
• runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• wheezing/asthma attack

Protect children:

• Select products in child resistant containers.
• Keep products in locked cabinets.
• Return products to safe storage immediately after use.
• Store products away from food.
• Don't turn your back on a child when a product is within reach. if the phone or doorbell rings, take the child (or the cleaner) with you.

California Poison Control System
1-800-222-1222 . . Anytime, Anyplace in California
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© CPCS and Regents, University of California. 2000
Disclaimer: This web site is designed to be informational and educational. Under no circumstance is this web site meant to replace the expert advice of a qualified poison specialist or physician. In the event of a poison emergency, call the nearest poison center immediately -dial, 1-800-222-1222 or contact 9-1-1 emergency services if the person who is poisoned cannot wake up, has a hard time breathing, or has convulsions.