MARCH 20-26 IS POISON PREVENTION WEEK IN DELAWARE

Governor Jack Markell has declared March 20-26, 2011 as Poison Prevention Week in Delaware. Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) emphasizes that a variety of toxins can be found in and around your home. Some could make you sick. Some can even cause cancer. From bleach to other cleaning products, to dry cleaning fumes, herbicides and pesticides, and mothballs and air fresheners, the concentrations of carcinogens and toxins in your home can build to dangerously high levels.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2009 unintentional poisoning caused about 708,318 emergency department visits.

The following are recommendations to learn how to handle products, protect yourself, your family and your pets from potential exposure:

• Place the poison control 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, seven days a week.
• Be a diligent label reader. Make sure that you understand what are in the products you use in your home, and that you use the products in the correct way.
• Look for the words toxic, flammable or combustible, corrosive or strong sensitizer, and of course, danger, poison, warning or caution on cleaning products.
• Never mix chemicals or cleaners, since poisonous fumes can result.
• Always follow manufacturers recommendations for appropriate use of pesticides and wear protective clothing such as eye protection and gloves.
• Instead of using solid air fresheners, including mothballs and gel air fresheners, use cedar chips, cedar blocks, dried lavender and whole peppercorns, or use airtight containers for storage.

DPH offers Home Health Hazard consultations and assessments to identify problems and provide specific information and recommendations to individual residents. Residents can request an over the phone consultation by contacting the Healthy Homes Program through the Delaware Helpline at: 1-800-464-HELP (4357).

For more recommendations on how to keep your home as healthy as possible visit: www.delawarehealthyhomes.org

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.