MSC 07 4390
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Physical Location:
UNM Business Center - 1650 University NE
Suite 4200
Phone: (505) 272-4261
Fax: (505) 272-5892
Poisons are everywhere and a poisoning can happen quickly at any time. However, certain types of poisonings are more likely to occur during certain times of the year. During the spring season spending time outdoors means you can be exposed to common spring product poison hazards that include toxic plants, garden chemicals, stinging insects and household cleaning items. Below is a list of some of the most common poisons encountered each spring. Follow these poison prevention tips to help make your spring fun and safe.
Household Chemicals used for Spring Cleaning. Store products in their original, labeled containers. Read labels and follow directions carefully. Store products away from food. Do not mix household products together. Keep all products locked up where children cannot see them or reach them. Never leave a child alone with a poisonous product.
Spring is here and so are insects. Avoid attracting insects by keeping trash cans covered and putting leftover food away. Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing, heavy perfumes. If a flying insect approaches, move away from the insect without waving your hands and arms. Wear a Medic-Alert bracelet if you have a history of a life-threatening allergic reaction and ask your physician about prescribing an emergency bee sting kit to have in an emergency.
All spiders are venomous with varying degrees of potency. Be careful reaching near corners. Shake all shoes, clothing, towels and bedding that have been sitting around. Dust and vacuum around windows, corners of rooms, and under furniture regularly.
In the spring, snakes emerge from their winter dens to hunt for food and water. Snakes seek shelter from the sun under rocks, bushes, in caves and animal burrows. Always be aware of your surroundings. Do not reach into cracks in rocks, animal burrows or under bushes. Do not tease, kill or handle a rattlesnake.
Pesticides are chemicals used to kill pests. The three most common are insecticides, herbicides and rodenticides. Keep pesticides locked-up where children cannot see them or reach them. Read the label and follow instructions, including all precautions and restrictions. Keep pesticides in their original containers. Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container tightly after use.
Outdoor and indoor plants. Know the names of your indoor and out door plants and find out if they are poisonous. Keep all poisonous plants, bulbs, seeds and plant foods where children cannot reach them. Teach children not to put leaves, stems, bark, berries, seeds or nuts from any plant into their mouths.
All mushrooms should be considered poisonous unless they have been correctly identified by an expert. Check your yard regularly for mushrooms, especially after a rainfall. Remove any mushrooms in your yard and throw them away. Teach children never to touch, taste or eat any outdoor mushrooms.
During the spring, we are often exposed to hydrocarbons in the form of gasoline, kerosene and charcoal lighter fluid. Oil based paints, paint thinners and turpentine can also be harmful, even if ingested in small amounts. Follow the directions when using, keep products in their original labeled containers, open containers carefully and keep the products locked up where children cannot see them or reach them.
Call the New Mexico Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for a poisoning emergency, questions about poisons or for poison prevention information, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.