Need help now? Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 or visit PoisonHelp.org
Summer Poison Safety
Managing a call every 15 seconds, the nation’s 55 poison control centers stay busy year-round, but they do get more calls during the warmer months. As you might expect, in the summer months, poison control centers manage more calls about bites, stings , and pesticides than they do at other times. They also take more calls about some dangerous situations you may not expect, like kids getting into tiki-style torch oil and lighter fluid, or the beer and liquor for the family cookout! Here are some tips to help ensure you and your loved ones enjoy a safe, fun, and poison-free summer.
Increased time outside in the summer can lead to bites and stings from all types of creatures. Visit the bites and stings page for information on treating bee stings, and preventing bites from snakes and mosquitoes.
Lamp oil, lighter fluid, and tiki-style torch fuels are hydrocarbons: slick substances that can cause “chemical pneumonia” if even a few drops get into someone’s airway, especially a child’s. These oils are often pleasantly scented and/or colored. They can resemble or are sometimes stored in containers resembling beverages.
For many adults, alcohol is safe when enjoyed in moderation. However, alcohol is known to interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Make sure that consuming alcohol is safe for you given any medicines you may be taking. Finally, hot summer days cause fluid loss through sweating, while alcohol causes fluid loss through increased urination. Spending time in hot weather while drinking alcohol can quickly lead to dehydration or heat stroke.
Alcohol is very dangerous for children. When it comes to alcohol, children are not little adults! Even a small amount of alcohol can have harmful effects on a child. Children are naturally curious and mimic adult behaviors, so take special care to keep the wine, beer, liquor, and mixed drinks that you enjoy in moderation up and away from children. If you suspect a child has ingested any amount of alcohol, call the Poison Help hotline right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Not matter when you’re cooking, it’s always important to practice food safety , however outdoor gatherings and cookouts require extra care to prevent foodborne illness.
The most common symptoms of food poisoning include upset stomach, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and differ depending on the causative agent.
Review more food safety tips for picnics and grilling from the FDA .
Did you know that fireworks are poisonous? Exposures to fireworks are not very common, but fireworks contain a number of toxic chemicals that can be very dangerous if swallowed. Keep fireworks away from children and pets. If a person or pet ingests part or all of a firework (including “snake”-type fireworks), call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
Exposures to glow products, like glow sticks, are also common around the 4th of July.
Exposures to pesticide products are reported most commonly in the summer months. If you choose to use chemicals to address problem pests in your lawn and garden, like slugs, rodents, or weeds, check out these safety tips.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
AFTER YOU APPLY
If someone swallows or inhales a pesticide, or gets a pesticide in the eyes or on the skin, call the Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. For general questions about the risks, of using or how to select, store, or use insect repellents and other pesticides, call the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378 or visit NPIC’s website.