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 We
come into
contact with a variety of chemicals everyday - from in our foods,
to our shampoos and other toiletries, to our cleaning supplies.
We have come to rely on chemicals to perform various functions
in our lives. When used properly, chemicals are very useful,
and sometimes vital. But chemicals can be very dangerous when
misused. It is important to know how to properly handle chemicals
so chemical accidents do not occur. This includes storage safety
to disposal safety. It is also important to properly educate
other members of the family on these same topics. If there are
small children in the house, it is important to make sure that
you take proper steps to make sure they do not expose themselves
to chemicals. Lastly, make sure you know what to do in case
there is an exposure in your family.
 First
it is important to know what it means to be exposed to a chemical.
You may be exposed to a chemical in three ways: 1. Breathing the chemical,
2. Swallowing contaminated food, water, or medication, and /or 3.
Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with clothing or things
that have touched the chemical.
Remember, even though you may not see
or smell anything unusual, a chemical exposure may have occurred.
Please remember that all chemicals have different levels exposure
dangers. Some chemicals which are safe, and even helpful in small
amounts, can be harmful in larger quantities or under certain conditions.
Dish soap, for instance, may only cause skin to become dry and burning
when making contact with the eye. Bleach, on the other hand, will
cause great excoriation when skin is exposed to it, and can kill if
ingested.
Please, be aware of the types
of chemicals that you have in your home and place of business,
and their danger level. It is important to know what actions
need to be taken should dangerous exposure occur. With the proper
precautions, these exposures can be prevented. For more information
on various chemicals, please contact your local Poison Control
Center. If you have an exposure and do not know how to treat
it, please contact you local Poison Control Center, local EMS,
or 9-1-1. Find out the numbers and keep them close to every
telephone. To find your local Poison Control Center,
please click here or call the number on the logo
above.
Many companies
use various dangerous chemicals in their daily routines. Ironically,
though, most chemical accidents happen at home with chemicals
that are found in almost every medicine cabinet and cleaning
closet. Children are especially susceptible to chemical accidents.
The most common home chemical emergencies involve small children
eating medicines. Experts in the field of chemical manufacturing
suggest taking hazardous materials out of sight could eliminate
up to 75 percent of all poisoning of small children. Keep all
medicines, cosmetics, cleaning products, and other household
chemicals out of sight and out of reach of children. If your
child should eat or drink a non-food substance, find any containers
immediately and take them to the phone. Call the Poison Control
Center or Emergency Medical Services (EMS), or 9-1-1, if you
have it in your area, or call the operator giving this information.
Follow their instructions carefully. Often the first aid advice
found on containers may not be appropriate. Do not give anything
by mouth until you have been advised by medical professionals.
 Pets
are also more like ly to be susceptible to chemical accidents. Make
sure that all plants, especially ones that are poisonous to eat are
out of their reach. Also make sure to clean up all spilled chemicals
and dropped medications before pets can ingest them.
Exposure
to hazardous chemicals can also occur on a much larger scale,
such as a chemical spill within a community due to a truck or
train accident, or drinking water contamination due to close
proximity to a company dealing in hazardous chemicals that does
not manage their chemicals and waste well. These types of accidents
can happen eveywhere. Please read through the "Major
Chemical Accident Tips" page, and prepare a family
disaster plan. |
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