What classifies as home poisons? Medications: paracetemol (fever medicine), cough and cold medications, painkillers, heart medications and sleep medications. Household chemicals: antiseptics, bleach, dishwashing liquid, pesticides, gasoline, perfume, turpentine. What about outdoors? Animals: scorpions, spiders, certain snakes and insects, jellyfish, stonefish. Leave unfamiliar animals alone; do not disturb or provoke them. Plants: Any part of a plant can be a potential poison. This includes the roots, leaves, stems, flowers, fruit and sap. One way to avoid poisons is to take medications seriously. • Read labels and follow instructions carefully before taking medications. • Check your home regularly for old/expired medications, and discard them safely. • Keep all medications in their original containers with their labels intact. • Keep medications out of reach from children; do not refer to medications as sweets. If somebody swallows a poison: • Do not make him throw up, as this could harm him further. • If he starts vomiting, turn him on his side to prevent vomit from getting into the air   passage. • Do not give him any food or drinks unless advised. If poison gets on the body: • Remove contaminated clothing immediately and place it in a sealed bag. • Dust off any dry poison residues. • Rinse the area under cool running water for at least 15 minutes. • Do not rub the area. NUMBERS TO CALL • In case of poisoning, call 24-hr hotline 6423 9119. • Call 995 if the victim becomes unconscious and/or unresponsive; develops    fits/convulsions; stops breathing. INFORMATION: Drug & Poison Information Centre Tel: 6423 9119 http://dpic.sgh.com.sg The above information is not a substitute for a doctor's medical advice. Please consult your Family Doctor or a Specialist if you have any concerns about your health.