Top 10 Poisons Kids Get Into

1. Cough and cold preparations
2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
3. Antibiotics
4. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Alleve, etc.)
5. Antacids
6. Multi-vitamins with iron
7. Diaper products (powders, lotions, and ointments)
8. Antihistamines
9. Cardiovascular drugs (heart medications)
10. Electrolytes (diabetes, high blood pressure medication)

Poison Prevention in Your Home

Make sure your home is safe for children:

Kitchen

• Remove household products such as cleaning supplies, dishwashing compounds or drain cleaners from under the sink, on counters or in open areas.
• Install child safety latches on all drawers or cabinets containing harmful products or sharp objects.
• Do not store toxic products with food or in food containers.

Bathroom

• Keep all medications, cosmetics, hair care products, toothpaste, mouthwash and cleaners out of reach of children.
• Keep all medications in original, child-resistant containers.
• Clean out medicine storage area regularly; flush old medicines down the toilet.

Laundry area

• Store all bleaches, soaps, detergents, fabric softeners, bluing agents and sprays out of reach of children.
• Keep all products in their original containers.

Garage/basement

• Store insect sprays, lawn care products, gasoline, car care products, paint and paint cleaners in a locked area.

General household

• Identify any poisonous plants and place them out of children's reach.
• Keep ashtrays empty and out of reach.
• Alcoholic beverages should be stored out of reach of children.
• Make sure that any painted surfaces on walls or furniture are in good condition—not chipping or peeling.
• Do not put rodent poisons or insect baits where children play.

Poison Emergency Preparation

• If you have speed dial, enter the emergency Poison Center's number (1-800-222-1222) so it can be automatically dialed.
• Teach children how to use the 911 emergency system.
• Make sure—in case an accident happens—that adults in the family can easily be reached.

Source: Minnesota Poison Control System: www.mnpoison.org, American Association of Poison Control Centers: www.aapcc.org

Resources: United Way 2-1-1™ is a free and confidential, 24/7 helpline that can connect you to over 40,000 community programs and resources. Just dial 2-1-1 or 651-291-0211.