Please keep all household pesticides in their original containers. That’s the main message this year from the Environmental Protection Agency as it promotes National Poison Prevention Week, March 19-25.

EPA is highlighting the dangers of removing pesticides and other household chemicals from their original containers and storing them in bottles or cans that can be mistaken for drink. Poison Control Centers have reported cases of accidental poisonings of children (primarily) who have swallowed toxic or caustic liquids stored in soda and juice bottles and cans, coffee cups, baby bottles and various other beverage containers.

RETAINING THE LABEL DIRECTIONS IS IMPORTANT

Even if there’s only a dab left, or the pesticide container is looking a little ragged and it’s getting hard to read the label, do not transfer it to another container. Not only do you risk accidental poisoning when you switch containers, but you lose the original instructions on the product label. Ironically, it’s the product label that provides you with emergency information in case of poisoning. Also, many harmful products are packaged in child-proof containers. When you transfer these products to a different container, you lose that measure of protection as well.

MANY HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS ARE ACTUALLY PESTICIDES

Home and garden pesticides are not the only products of concern. Many of your household cleaning products are technically pesticides or are at least toxic or caustic if swallowed, or sometimes even if they get on skin.

Did you know that disinfectants, sanitizers, even antibacterial soaps are classified by EPA as pesticides because they kill disease organisms. Likewise, products that kill mold or mildew, swimming pool chemicals, bleach, and mothballs all can be toxic and must be registered with EPA as pesticides. In addition, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, turpentine, antifreeze, and many other household products, while not pesticides, can be harmful and should always be stored in their original containers with their original product labels.

For more on how to protect your children from accidental poisoning, see these Colonial blogs:

• Is Your Home Poison-proof?
• How to Safely Store Pesticides in Your Home
• Keep Your Children Safe from Household Pesticides
• How to Dispose of Old Pesticides – Advice from EPA