Poison Help Guide

A Poison is any substance that cause damage, illness or death to people and/or animals.  There are four ways for poisons to enter a body.  They may be:

• Consumed (i.e. swallowed)

• Inhaled (i.e. breathed in)

• Absorbed (i.e. comes into contact with the skin)

• Injected (i.e. through needles or venomous animals)

Here are some safety tips that will help to keep your home and office safe from poisoning:

• Store food, medicines and cleaners in different places so there is no possibility of confusion

• Do not mix cleaners as they can create poisonous fumes

• Any dangerous substance (i.e. cleaners, medicines, lotions, car products, pesticides) should be stored well out of the way of children.  Install safety latches or locks if possible

• Do not put your cleaners into new unmarked containers

• Contact Public Works to find out where to dispose of chemicals or paint

• Be aware of the warning symbols

If you notice that there signs of poisonous materials strewn around and that someone is experiencing pain, confusion, unconsciousness, vomiting, burning sensations, dizziness, abdominal pains or nausea, there is a strong possibility that he/she may be poisoned.
 

Make sure that the person is comfortable and treat for shock.  Call your local Poison Control Centre and have as much information ready for them as possible.  The more information you can give them, the more help they can give you.

Take a Standard First Aid & CPR course to learn more.