Poison Control Newsletter

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In 2004 an estimated 72,000 children were involved in common household pesticide-related poisonings or exposures in the United States.  Here is the phone number to call for a poison emergency for every state.

IMPORTANT FACTS

• Almost half of all households with children under the age of five have at least one pesticide stored in an unlocked cabinet, less than four feet off the ground within the reach of children.

• Approximately 75% of households without children under the age of five have stored pesticides in unlocked cabinets, less than 4 feet off the ground within the reach of children.  This number is especially significant because 13% of all pesticide poisoning incidents occur in homes other than the child's home.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL POISONING:

• Don’t use toxic chemical pesticides.

• Always store chemicals (even organic ones) away from children's reach, in a locked cabinet or garden shed.  Child-proof safety latches may also be installed on cabinets and can be purchased at your local hardware store.

• Read the label first and follow the directions to the letter, including all precautions and restrictions.

• <?xml:namespace prefix = w />Some would say before applying pesticides (indoors and outdoors) that children and their toys as well as pets should be removed from the area and kept away until the pesticides have dried or as recommended on the label.   I say – don’t use toxic chemical pesticides at all. 

• If your use of a pesticide is interrupted (perhaps by a phone call), properly re-close the package and be sure to leave the container out of the reach of children while you are gone.

• Never transfer pesticides to other containers that children may associate with food or drink.

• Never place rodent or insect baits where small children can get to them.

• Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container tightly after use.

• Alert others to the potential hazard of pesticides, especially care givers and grandparents.

• Teach children that "pesticides are poisons" - something they should not touch.  Better still, don’t use them.

• Keep the telephone number of the Poison Control Center near your telephone.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, try to determine what the child was exposed to and what part of the body was affected before you take action, since taking the right action is as important as taking immediate action.

• If the child is unconscious, having trouble breathing or having convulsions, give needed first aid immediately.  Call 911 or your local emergency service.

• If the child is awake, conscious, not having trouble breathing, and not having convulsions, contact the Poison Center Network at 800-222-1222 or 911.

Remember to act fast because speed is crucial!
Appropriate first aid treatment depends on the kind of poisoning that has occurred.

DEATH
Headaches
Nausea
Fever
Coma
Asthma
Cramps
Allergies
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Vomiting
Convulsions
Memory Loss
Blurred Vision
Chronic Fatigue
Rapid Heartbeat
Soreness of Joints
Tightness in Chest
Flu Like Symptoms
Respiratory Paralysis
Reproductive  Failures
Elevated Blood  Pressure
Immune Deficiency Disorders
Central Nervous System Disorders
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)
Irritations to Skin, Eyes, Nose and Throat
Muscle Twitches, Loss of Coordination
Changes in Heart Rate and Liver function
Behavioral Abnormalities, Hyperactivity, Moodiness
Genetic Damage
Various Cancers

Many physicians do not recognize these symptoms as being pesticide related!

The main reason I recommend the organic lifestyle is that it is better in every way.  And the non-toxic aspect is one of its great benefits.

Naturally yours,
 
Howard Garrett
The Dirt Doctor

P.S.  Please forward this important information to your family and friends and ask them to Sign Up for the free Dirt Doctor Organic News. 

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