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 Seasonal Tips: Winter (PDF, 136 KB) Visit the Adobe Reader Web site and follow the instructions to download the appropriate version of Adobe Reader for your operating system. POISON HELP 1-800-222-1222 PoisonHelp.hrsa.gov When accidents happen with chemicals or medicine, call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222). Get help right away from a nurse, pharmacist, or other poison expert. SEASONAL TIPS WINTER Many people think poinsettias and Christmas cacti are poisonous. They aren't. But here are some real dangers to watch out for in winter: Antifreeze • Antifreeze is a poisonous liquid used in cars. It has a sweet taste. Children and animals like its taste. If even a little is swallowed, it can be harmful. It can cause kidney damage and death. • Keep antifreeze, and all strong chemicals, in the containers they came in. Cap them tightly. Store them in a locked cabinet. • Before throwing away an antifreeze container, rinse it with water. Replace the safety cap. Place the container in the trash. Salt • If eaten, salt used on driveways and sidewalks in winter can harm a pet or child. • Store such salt with other poisons. Keep it out of reach and in a locked cabinet. Mercury • Avoid using glass mercury thermometers. A glass thermometer can break in a child's mouth. • Use a digital thermometer to avoid the risk of breaking glass. • Stay with children when taking their temperature • Mercury is a hazardous waste. Spilled mercury should be cleaned up properly. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) or your local health department for advice. Carbon Monoxide (CO) • CO is the #1 cause of poison deaths. Every year, CO poisoning results in hundreds of deaths. It causes many thousands of illnesses. • CO is a poisonous gas. It has no color, odor, or taste. All fuel-burning devices make CO. They do this mostly when they aren't working properly, or are not used in a ventilated space. CO can collect in closed areas. Sources of CO include: • gas furnaces • gas water heaters • gas stoves • gas ovens • kerosene space heaters • wood and gas fireplaces • wood-burning stoves • power generators • car engines People at greatest risk for CO poisoning are: • pregnant women • infants • young children • older people • people with diseases that affect breathing • people with heart disease Signs of CO poisoning are similar to signs common to flu and some cold-weather viruses: • headaches • nausea • vomiting • dizziness • confusion To prevent CO poisonings in your home: • Have at least one CO alarm in your home.The best places for a CO alarm are near bedrooms and close to furnaces. • Have your heating system, vents, and chimney checked every year by experts. • Always follow product instructions for installing and repairing appliances that burn fuel. • Never burn charcoal inside a house or garage. • Never use a gas oven to heat a house or apartment. • Never use unvented fuel-burning devices in a house or apartment. • Never run a car in a closed garage. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration |
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