Poison Center urges safety when using garden and lawn products | Washington Poison Center

Warmer weather and sunshine brings forth a bounty of new plant life; however, the products used to care for gardens and lawns can contain potentially toxic chemicals. To ensure the safety of your home, children, and pets, there are some products and safety tips to be aware of.

Warmer weather and sunshine brings forth a bounty of new plant life; however, the products used to care for gardens and lawns can contain potentially toxic chemicals. To ensure the safety of your home, children, and pets, there are some products and safety tips to be aware of.

Click here to read the full Seasonal Health Alert on Lawn and Garden Care.

When used correctly these products are unlikely to be toxic as most products for home use contain a relatively small amount of active ingredients. However, using caution before, during, and after use (including storage) should still be a priority to reduce the risk of injury.

Safety Tips for Pesticides:

– Before Use: read the label and ventilate if using indoors

– During Use: wear protective clothing (including eyewear and gloves), and do not leave an open product unattended

– After Use: Wash your hands, change your clothing, and be sure to store and dispose of products properly.

Safety Tips for Other Lawn Products:

– Never store spent oil or gas in an unlabeled container!

– Treat fertilizers like pesticides, and follow the directions above.

For more information, or if you or a family member have been exposed to a potentially dangerous chemical, call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. All calls are free, confidential, and answered by healthcare professionals.