2009 Year in Review

From the Fields

Every 13 seconds, a U.S. poison control center receives a call about an unintentional poisoning. In observance of National Poison Prevention Week (March 15–21), the EPA is reminding families how to take precautions and properly use and store household pesticides to avoid poisonings. The following was included in the January-February 2009 Illinois Pesticide Review, prepared by University of Illinois Extension.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers data show that more than half of the 2 million poisoning incidents each year involve children younger than 6 years old. According to Poison Prevention, more than 90% of these poisonings occur in the home. In addition, poison centers reported more than 70,000 calls made to poison centers with concerns about potential exposure to common household pesticides (potential exposures do not necessarily represent a poisoning).

EPA observes National Poison Prevention Week each year to increase awareness of the danger to children of unintentional poisonings from pesticides and household products, and to encourage parents and caregivers to lock up products that could potentially harm children.

Pesticides aren’t the only dangerous chemicals in your home that kids may come into contact with. The EPA gives this list on its web site:
- bath and kitchen disinfectants and sanitizers, including bleach
- household cleaning or maintenance products, such as drain cleaner, paints, or glues
- automotive products stored around the home, such as anti-freeze or windshield-washer fluid
- health- or beauty-care products, such as medicines, hair and nail products
- roach sprays and baits
- insect repellents
- rat and other rodent poisons
- weed killers
- products used to kill mold or mildew
- flea and tick shampoos, powders, and dips for pets
- swimming pool chemicals

When not in use, these products should be kept in a locked cabinet away from small children. When in use, it is advised that the products not be unattended. Containers should be closed when possible. An unexpected guest at the door may pull you away for a few minutes and unfortunately, a few minutes; is all it takes for a child to find something excitedly forbidden to play with.

For poison prevention resources, see USEPA. The national poison center hotline is 1-800-222-1222. Take the time to program this number into your phone's address book for fast retrieval when you need it.

Farmers are reminded that pesticides on the farm should also be kept locked and the pesticide storage building should be labeled with a sign stating “Danger – Pesticides – Keep Out”. Keep inventory records of pesticides up to date and easily accessible. Have a complete label and a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for every product on the farm.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
March 20, 2009