Public Health and Environment

Children's Environmental Health - Chemical Safety

The most common home chemical emergencies involve small children ingesting medicines. Experts in the field of chemical manufacturing suggest that putting 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, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), or 9-1-1. Follow their instructions carefully. Often the first aid advice found on containers may not be appropriate. So, do not give anything by mouth until you have been advised by medical professionals.

 -American Red Cross

Washington County Resources

• Household Hazardous Waste Program

Other Resources

• Hennepin County Medical Center
  • Minnesota Poison Control

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • General Poisoning Information

• American Red Cross
  • Chemical Emergencies

• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
  • How to Reduce Toxics in Your Home
  • Agency Household Hazardous Waste Program

• United States Environmental Protection Agency
  • Pesticides: Health and Safety

Action Steps

• Take off your shoes before entering your home.
• Switch to non-toxic cleaners.
• Be a label reader.
• Keep hazardous products out of children's reach.
• Safely dispose of hazardous materials to protect the health of your family and the environment.