Poison Safety Tips and Different type of Poison

Deadliest Poisons

Arsenic- this is a very classic poison, and unfortunately used over the years to intentionally poison people.  It’s easy to obtain, and very effective.  Arsenic is a common ingredient in many household products, used in numerous items.  The effects of arsenic poison are jaundice and a rash on the skin, however, this often does not display until after prolonged exposure.  Acute poisoning from arsenic includes tremendous gastric distress, diarrhea, vomiting, and bleeding with pain.  Death often follows so if arsenic poison is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. 

Related:  How to Financially Prepare To Go Back To School

Cyanide is one of the most known poisons.  Often referred to as the suicide pill, there is no doubt this pill cause’s death almost immediately.  Cyanide works by preventing cellular respiration, essentially the body stops producing energy at the lowest level, creating what is termed as internal asphyxia. This poison will cause rapid breathing, dizziness, nausea, headache and then convulsions.  Cyanide is available in two forms, hydrogen cyanide, and potassium cyanide.  Hydrogen is the gas, with potassium being in the form of a white powder.  Cyanide has been often recognizable by a bitter almond smell.  Anyone that has been exposed to cyanide should be treated immediately. 

Strychnine is noted for its painful effects.  It attacks the central nervous system and causes muscles in the body to violently contract.  The convulsions are very strong, and often continue to the point that the victim does not have time to regain awareness.  Death generally occurs within 2-3 hours after ingestion.  This poison is used in rat poison and certain other pesticides.  Anyone handling rat poison or any pesticide, should wear appropriate protection, masks, gloves, etc. 

Poison Safety Tips

• Always read the label before using a product that may be poisonous.

• Keep chemical products in their original bottles or containers. Do not use food containers such as cups, bottles, or jars to store chemical products such as cleaning solutions or beauty products.
• Never mix household products together. For example, mixing bleach and ammonia can result in toxic gases.
• Wear protective clothing (gloves, long sleeves, long pants, socks, shoes) if you spray pesticides or other chemicals.
• Turn on the fan and open windows when using chemical products such as household cleaners.
• Put the poison help number, 1-800-222-1222, on or near every home telephone and save it on your cell phone. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Store all medicines and household products up and away and out of sight in a cabinet where a child cannot reach them. 
•  When you are taking, or giving medicines or are using household products:

Do not put your next dose on the counter or table where children can reach them—it only takes seconds for a child to get them.

If you have to do something else while taking medicine, such as answer the phone, take any young children with you.

Related:  The Top 10 Complaints from Nurses

Secure the child safety cap completely every time you use a medicine.

After using them, do not leave medicines or household products out. As soon as you are done with them, put them away and out of sight in a cabinet where a child cannot reach them.

Be aware of any legal or illegal drugs that guests may bring into your home. Ask guests to store drugs where children cannot find them. Children can easily get into pillboxes, purses, backpacks, or coat pockets.

• Do not call medicine "candy."
• Identify poisonous plants in your house and yard and place them out of reach of children.

What to Do If Poisoning Occurs

• Remain calm.
• Call 911 if you have a poison emergency and the victim has collapsed or is not breathing. If the victim is awake and alert, dial 1-800-222-1222. Try to have this information ready:

The victim’s age and weight

The container or bottle of the poison if available

The time of the poison exposure

The address where the poisoning occurred

• Stay on the phone and follow the instructions from the emergency operator or poison control.

The best safety factor in poison is prevention.  The most recent incidents of poisoning involve detergent pods.  Be sure to keep that and all cleaners out of reach of children.  Be sure to have a plan ready just in case, and make sure all babysitters have information at their fingertips.  Accidental poisonings still occur, and with the introduction of new products, comes more accidental poisonings.  Always think safety first, it’s worth spending the extra time to unlock products and medications to ensure safety and possibly a life. 

Related:  List of nursing organizations

Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest  and Twitter