I was cleaning out a cabinet the other day and realized that some of the stuff had been in there for years. It reminded me that at least an annual check would be a good thing to do. I'm not only talking about medicine cabinets, but kitchen and utility cabinets as well. Spring's around the corner and this is a good start for spring cleaning! Check out those expiration dates. Get rid of old medicines and household chemicals. If you're unsure of how to dispose of them, contact your local department of public works. Many times they have special days when you can turn these in.

As consumers we buy more than a quarter of a million different household products that are used in and around the home for medication, cleaning, cosmetic purposes, insecticides and lawn products. During National Poison Prevention Week, March 16-22, take a few minutes to clean out and lock up household items that could harm your family.

According to the National Safety Council, more than 6,000 people die, and an estimated 300,000 suffer disabling injuries as a result of unintentional poisoning. In the year 2000 there were 2,168,248 human toxic exposures reported to 63 poison control centers in the U.S. and 92 percent happened at a residence. Children younger than 3 years of age were involved in 40 percent of the cases and 52.7 percent involved children younger than 6 years of age. Overall, most poisonings were unintentional (85.9 percent). Ingestion was the most common pathway followed by dermal (skin), inhalation and ocular (eye).

Since the inception of childproof (and it seems adult proof) tops, deaths have gone down substantially. That's great for kids, but adults need to be careful as well. Follow label directions on medications and household cleaners. If you have an elderly adult in your home, request labels be printed in larger type and make sure they take only the specified amount of medication.

Here are some first aid tips for poisoning. Of course, you should always call your Poison Control Center, (800) 222-1222. When people call, a computer checks their area code and the first three digits of their phone number, and then connects the caller to their nearest poison control center.

• If someone has swallowed a poison, induce vomiting ONLY if emergency personnel on the phone tell you to do so. Always keep syrup of ipecac on hand to use to induce vomiting. In some cases they may tell you to give milk or water to dilute the poison until you get to emergency medical personnel.

• If poison is in the eye, it will absorb faster than any other external part of the body. Hold the eye open and wash quickly and gently with clean running water for at least 15 minutes. Do not use eye drops or chemicals or drugs in the wash water.

• Poison on the skin - remove contaminated clothing, and drench affected area with water. Wash skin and hair thoroughly with soap and water.

• Inhaled poison - carry or drag victim to fresh air right away. If you think you need protection, such as a respirator, and one is not available, call the fire department before entering the area. Open doors and windows so no one else will be poisoned by the fumes.

Some poison prevention tips:

• Read the label and follow directions.

• Keep products in their original containers.

• Store products out of reach of children, and remember your pets are susceptible too!

• Keep poison control and your doctors numbers handy.

• Get rid of unused or unnecessary household products and expired medications.

• If you need to call the poison control center, have the label handy.

Resources: National Safety Council, Consumer Products Safety Commission, American Association of Poison Control Centers.

Mary Zitek, Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives Safety/Education Services Coordinator. E-mail my.tek@aiec.coop.

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