New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center
Don't Let Summer Poison Hazards Ruin You Picnic and Camping Fun!
Spending time outdoors picnicking? Camping? Swimming? You could be exposed to poison hazards.
Common poisons include spoiled food, hydrocarbons, mushrooms, carbon monoxide and swimming chemicals.
By following a few poison prevention tips you can help make your picnics and camping outings poison safe.
- Do not let food poisoning ruin your summer picnic or camping trips. Keep "cold” foods cold and “hot” foods hot before and after serving. Thoroughly cook all foods according to standard guidelines. Pack soap and water and wash hands carefully before and after handling food. Put left over food in the ice chest right away.
- Be careful with gasoline, kerosene and charcoal lighter fluid. Follow the directions when using the products and keep them in their original labeled containers. Open containers carefully and keep the products locked up where children cannot see them or reach them.
- Minimize exposure to carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, odorless gas that comes from burning fossil fuels like natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, methane, propane, oil, coal and wood. Gas fired barbeque and charcoal grills must never be used inside a house or garage - not even with the door opened. When camping, use only battery powered heaters and lights in tents, trailers, or motor homes. Never use fuel-burning appliances inside.
- Avoid wild mushrooms. Check your yard regularly for mushrooms, especially after a rainfall. Remove any mushrooms in your yard and throw them away. Teach children never to touch, taste or eat any outdoor mushrooms.
- Follow label directions when using pool products. Swimming pool products like chlorine contain dangerous chemicals that can poison you if you use them in the wrong way and in the wrong amount.
Keep products in their original labeled containers. Open containers carefully and keep the products locked-up where children cannot see them or reach them.
Call the New Mexico Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for poisoning emergencies, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week
