National Poison Awareness Week Spring Safety: Prevent Accidental Poisoning During Spring Cleaning

Spring is commonly used as a time of renewal, leading many residents to deep clean and clear out their homes — but it’s also a season where accidental exposure to toxic chemicals and substances increases due to the use of chemical-based cleaners. During this National Poison Awareness Week, the Black Jack Fire Protection District encourages its residents to consider adding a few simple precautions to their spring cleaning routine and reduce their risk of severe health emergencies. 

What many residents don’t consciously think about is that almost all the staple cleaning products we have beneath the kitchen sink contain chemicals that can be dangerous if used, mixed, or stored improperly. By recognizing and understanding the risks these common cleaning products present and following safe cleaning practices, you can not only protect yourself and your family members but also keep your home spotless

How To Safely Use Cleaning Products At Home

While cleaning products are an effective tool to cut through grime and sanitize your home, they still possess ingredients that can result in serious health issues if misused — skin irritation, burns, breathing issues, etc. 

To reduce your risk during spring cleaning, we recommend using these simple tips:

• Always read and follow label instructions

• Use products only for their intended purpose

• Wear gloves 

• Consider eye protection

• Open windows or use fans to improve ventilation

• Keep products out of the reach of children and pets

Taking a few minutes to read the labels of your cleaning products and to take the necessary steps to use your products safely can help prevent serious injury. 

Spring cleaning safety tips

Deep cleaning your home does not also have to be a risk to your health. Before you begin your spring cleaning, we recommend keeping these crucial safety reminders in mind:

• Test all your carbon monoxide detectors 

• Never leave cleaning supplies unattended around older adults, pets, or young children

• Avoid spraying chemical-based products near food or food preparation areas

•  Dispose of expired or unused chemicals properly

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling cleaning products

• Keep the Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222) saved in your phone

At the Black Jack Fire Protection District, we firmly believe spring cleaning should improve your home — not create a medical emergency.

What Happens If You Mix Cleaning Chemicals

While there are countless videos and social media posts about homemade cleaning solutions that can be made by mixing household cleaners, we strongly advise against following in these influencers’ footsteps. What their video or post won’t tell you is that mixing cleaning chemicals together is one of the most common and dangerous spring cleaning mistakes. 

While some combinations may create an effective cleaning solution that cuts through the hardest grime, most produce toxic gases that can incapacitate you within seconds. Some of these toxic gases release fumes that can cause the following symptoms:

• Irritates the eyes and throat

• Causes severe coughing

• Trigger breathing difficulties

• Lead to chest pain

• Cause nausea or dizziness

• Resulting in serious lung injury

Even small amounts of chemical exposure in an enclosed space can become dangerous quickly. That’s why we advise against trying to make your own cleaning solutions or following the advice of amateur chemists online.