Chemicals are a natural and important part of our environment. Even though we often don't think about it, we use chemicals every day. Chemicals help keep our food fresh and our bodies clean. They help our plants grow and fuel our cars. And chemicals make it possible for us to live longer, healthier lives.
Under certain conditions, chemicals can be poisonous or have a harmful effect on your health. Some chemicals which are safe, and even helpful in small amounts, can be harmful in larger quantities or under certain conditions.
Chemical accidents do happen . . . at home and in the community, and the American Red Cross wants you to be prepared.
How You May Be Exposed to a Chemical
You may be exposed to a chemical in three ways:
1.Breathing the chemical
2.Swallowing contaminated food, water, or medication
3.Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with clothing or things that have touched the chemical.
Remember, you may be exposed to chemicals even though you may not be able to see or smell anything unusual.
Chemical Accidents Can Be Prevented
Many people think of chemicals as only those substances used in manufacturing processes. But chemicals are found everywhere--in our kitchens, medicine cabinets, basements, and garages. In fact, most chemical accidents occur in our own homes. And they can be prevented.
Children and Poisoning
The most common home chemical emergencies involve small children eating medicines. Experts in the field of chemical manufacturing suggest taking 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 (1-800-222-1222) or Emergency Medical Services (EMS), or 9-1-1, if you have it in your area, or call the operator giving this information.
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
Who Helps in a Chemical Emergency?
There are many organizations that help the community in an emergency, such as police, fire, and sheriff departments, the American Red Cross, and government agencies. All these groups coordinate their activities through the local office of emergency management. In many areas there are local Hazardous Materials, or Haz-Mat Teams, who are trained to respond to chemical accidents. In the event of a chemical emergency, it is very important that you follow the instructions of these highly trained professionals. They know best how to protect you and your family
Important Points To Remember
1.Chemicals are everywhere. They are an important part of life.
2.The most common chemical accidents occur in our own homes and can be prevented.
3.The best ways to avoid chemical accidents are to read and follow the directions for use, storage, and disposal of the product.
4.Don't mix products, especially household cleaning products.
5.Develop a Family Disaster Plan and pack a Family Disaster Supplies Kit.
6.In the event of an emergency, follow the instructions of the authorities carefully. Listen to your emergency broadcast stations on radio and TV.
7.Use your phone only in life-threatening emergencies, and then call the Poison Control Center, EMS, 9-1-1, or the operator immediately.
8.If you are told to "shelter in place", go inside, close all windows and vents and turn off all fans, heating or cooling systems. Take family members and pets to a safe room, seal windows and doors, and listen to emergency broadcast stations for instructions.
9.If you are told to evacuate immediately, take your Family Disaster Supplies Kit. Pack only the bare essentials, such as medications, and leave your home quickly. Follow the traffic route authorities recommend. Don't take short cuts on the way to the shelter.
10.If you find someone who appears to have been injured from chemical exposure, make sure you are not in danger before administering first aid.
11.And lastly, remember, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to be prepared.