National Poison Prevention Week, March 19-25, 2017
How safe do you think your house is of poisonous household products? Poison is all around us, affecting anyone anytime. By taking the time to look around and exercising caution during the usage and storage of these products will be the best prevention of poisoning yourself and/or your family.
One product you may not have even given a second thought is liquid laundry detergent packets. These contain highly concentrated amounts of the detergents. They need to be stored in the container they came in with label attached, closed shut tightly and up high out of the reach and sight of children. Do not let children handle them, just handling the packets could be a poison exposure to children. The coating dissolves quickly, even with the smallest amount of water, so you should handle them with dry hands. Do not open the packets to use as a pretreatment or to wash clothing by hand.
Symptoms of poisoning from liquid detergent packets, include excessive vomiting, wheezing and gasping. Some get very sleepy. There have even been reports of scratches to the eyes when the detergent has gotten in the eyes.
If you suspect poisoning of any kind, call the Poison Help Line immediately at 1-800-222-1222. If you do not already have this posted next to your phones in the house and saved in your mobile phone, take a few moments and do it.
Keep up to date on what is happening in Chouteau County Extension and 4-H by following us on Facebook or checking our website at msuextension.org/chouteau.
Additional information is available by contacting Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton.
Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
