As the summer temperatures increase, so do the calls to poison control across the state.
More people are outdoors and kids are out of school, which can lead to an increased number of poison exposures, including pool chemical accidents; snake, spider and insect bites, and aquatic stings.
The Florida/USVI Poison Information Center in Jacksonville offers tips to keep Floridians safe this summer.
Pool Chemical Safety:
- Be sure that you are in a well-ventilated area when using pool chemicals.
- Follow product instructions carefully.
- Do not store chemicals where flammable items may mix with them.
- Never mix pool chemicals because that can create a toxic gas.
- Always keep pool chemicals stored up and away from children.
Inspect Repellent Usage:
- Read and follow product instructions carefully, as some repellents are not meant to be applied to the skin.
- Do not use on a child’s hands, eyes, mouth or cut/irritated ski; spray repellent onto adult’s hands and then apply to child’s face.
- Consumers also should not use a combination of sunscreen and insect repellent, as sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, and repellent should not be reapplied.
- DEET should not be used on children younger than 2 months old.
- Always wash treated skin with soap and water after returning to the indoors.
Snake and Spider Bites:
- If bitten by a snake, remove jewelry and tight clothes, immobilize the extremity if possible, keep affected area at or below the heart, and wash the area gently.
- Do not feed the victim, make cuts or place ice on the bitten extremity, or apply a tourniquet.
- If bitten by a spider, call the poison control center immediately.
- If believed to have been bitten by one of the six venomous snakes in Florida, call poison control at (800) 222-1222, or 911, if victim cannot be aroused, is convulsing or has stopped breathing. Venomous snakes include the coral snake, cottonmouth/water moccasin, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, copperhead or canebrake (timber) rattlesnake.
Outdoor Hazards:
- Jellyfish and other aquatic life can bite and sting. Have a spray bottle with vinegar available at the beach for jellyfish stings. Call poison control for specific treatment advice.
- Treat all wild mushrooms as poisonous, unless you are absolutely certain they are safe.
- Initially, apply a baking soda paste to insect stings, including fire ants, bees, wasps and caterpillars. Then call poison control for specific treatment.
Pesticides also should be used according to the product instructions, and properly stored and disposed of according to the label. All pesticides should be kept in their original containers.
Consumers should avoid using produce that require leaving powder or pellets in areas where children or pets have access.
The Poison Help Hotline can be reached at (800) 222-1222 and provides free, confidential medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year-round, from toxicology specialists, such as nurses, pharmacists, physicians and poison information providers.
Published July 18, 2018
