1.800.522.4611: 24-hour telephone service is provided through the Poison Control Center. Information on antidotes, drug counter does, chemical breakdown for over 60,000 substances. Answers calls concerning: medicinals, household products, pesticides, poisonous plants, industrial or automotive products, and bites (insect, snake, spider, etc.) 9,500 to 10,000 phone calls received yearly. Educational materials available upon request.

It Can Happen to Anyone
Accidental death, including poison, is the number one killer of re-school children. In Texas, some 7,500 persons are poisoned every year. Nearly 175 persons die each year of poisoning.

Medicinals accounts for most poisoning, with household products a close second. Aspirin accounts for most poisoning deaths to children under five.

Carelessness in use of pesticides, unlocked cabinets bearing household products, easily reached medicines, and poisons stored in deceptive containers can result in illness or death.

Prevention is the Key

• Do not store nonedible products on shelves used for storing food.
• Keep poisonous materials in original containers. Labeled.
• Don't leave a child alone when using household products, insecticides, or poisons.
• Keep pressurized spray containers out of children's reach.
• Don't throw spray cans into incinerator.
• Take extra precaution in using kerosene and petroleum distillates. They may pass into the lungs and damage them.

Medicines Aren't Candy

• Children imitate. Avoid taking medicine in their presence.
• Flush old medicines down the drain.
• Never administer medicine in the dark.
• Never call medicine candy.
• Lock up all medicines, chemicals, and as many household products as possible.
• Refer to medicines by their proper names.
• An overdose of baby aspirin or vitamins containing iron can be lethal.

In Case of Emergency

• Even if you only suspect a poisoning, contact your physician, hospital emergency room, or poison control center or call 911.
• If your doctor cannot be reached:
  • Determine if the patient has taken a poison or an overdose and what he/she has taken.
  • In most cases cause the patient to vomit, except in the case of petroleum products and/or corrosive substances.
• Should the patient become ill, convulse or become unconscious- take him/her to the hospital emergency room or call 911 for emergency response.
• Save the container, label, and rest of contents for doctor.

Know What to Do
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING IF PATIENT:

• Swallowed a petroleum product (kerosene, lighter fluid, paint thinner, furniture polish)
• Is unconscious or in comaIs having fits (convulsions)
• Swallowed a "corrosive substance" that burns the mouth or throat (toilet bowl cleaners, lye, ammonia, bleach)

OTHERWISE, MAKE PATIENT VOMIT:

• Have him/her drink 2 to 3 glasses of water or milk
• Place him/her face down with head lower than hips.
• Tickle back of throat and/or give Syrup of Ipecac if instructed by Poison Center or physician.
• Do not force liquid on an unconscious patient.
  

Poison Controls Centers: Toll-free number (1.800.522.4611)