Beware of Lethal Dangers Lurking in Your Home

All too often we hear about someone who has accidentally poisoned themselves or someone else with a dangerous household chemical. While threats from lead-based paint and asbestos are well publicized, many other silent dangers are present in nearly every home and business in the United States.

The good news: some companies and government entities are teaming up to limit the use of these dangerous chemicals in consumer products and are trying to get them off our shelves and out of our homes.

As more chemicals are used in our homes and workplaces, it is important to know what substances are dangerous and how to avoid contamination. According a 2012 Poison Control Center report, pain medication, cosmetic and personal care items, and household cleaners were the substances most frequently involved in human exposures.

The good news is that government regulators and private retail chains are helping to limit what gets used in the products we encounter daily. Read how Wal-mart, Target, and the U.S. Government have taken action in our monthly consumer newsletter.

How to Properly Store Toxic Chemicals

Children and young adults under 20 are nearly twice as likely to be exposed to toxic chemicals. Avoid the worst scenarios all together – Always store hazardous chemicals out of the reach of children and locked away. Here’s a great, quick video that shows how to store hazardous chemicals in your home:

Quick tips:

• Keep chemicals in a well-ventilated area like a garage or shed
• Read labels and follow directions accordingly
• Store chemicals out of reach of children or pets
• Store chemicals away from food storage
• Be sure containers are sealed tightly before storing
• Keep soaps and dental hygiene products out of the reach of young children
• Lock medicines away if possible
• Always read and follow label instructions on proper storage

Also, use carbon monoxide alarms, always have an inspector walk through and test any new building that you may be considering purchasing, and take extreme caution when using fertilizers and pesticides.

Steps to Take if Someone Has Been Poisoned

In the event you think a child – or adult – has been poisoned, exposed to a dangerous chemical, or have questions about a particular product or ingredient, call the Poison Control Center hotline number: 1-800-222-1222. Save it in your phone for emergencies.

In South Carolina, you can also contact the Palmetto Poison Center directly.

As always, when legal action is necessary, don’t hesitate to call our Law Firm.