POISON INFORMATION

• Know the telephone number of your local poison center.  (412-681-6669 or toll free 1-800-222-1222)
• Place Mr. Yuk stickers on all poisonous products in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, basement and garage.
• Teach children that Mr. Yuk means no.
• Know which household items could be harmful to children—including plants.
• Store all cleaning products, medications and chemicals in a safe, out-of-reach place after use.
• Teach children about the dangers of all medicines—including pills, capsules, syrups, antiseptics, ointments and sprays.
• Explain these tips to grandparents, other relatives and babysitters.
• Teach children about the four forms of poison:
  • Solids: air fresheners, pills, vitamins, aspirin, lipstick
  • Liquids: cleaning products, fuel, alcohol
  • Sprays: furniture polish, oven cleaner, room deodorizer
  • Invisibles: carbon monoxide, space heater fumes

What if my child ingests a potential poison?

• Remain calm and call the Pittsburgh Poison Control Center immediately at 412-681-6669 or 1-800-222-1222.
• Bring the container or label to the phone.
• Describe the situation: what was taken, how much, and how long ago?
• Describe your child's current condition.
• For mouth, skin, or eye exposure, rinse the affected area immediately.
• Do not give your child anything to eat or drink until you have spoken to the poison control center.
• Keep syrup of ipecac on hand.
• Do not wait for symptoms to occur.  In all cases of suspected poisoning, call the poison control center as soon as the ingestion is discovered.
• Keep the phone number of your poison control center near your telephone at all times!

For more information, visit the Pittsburgh Poison Center website.

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