Poison Law and Legal Definition
A poison is any product or substance that can harm someone if it is used in the wrong way, by the wrong person, or in the wrong amount. Examples of possible poisons include some household products, chemicals at work or in the environment, drugs (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, illegal or animal medicines), snake bites, spider bites, and scorpion stings.
To prevent poisonings in the household:
- Store medicines and household products in their original containers.
- Lock medicines and household products where children cannot see or reach them.
- Use child-resistant packaging. Replace the caps tightly after using a product.
- Read the label before taking or giving medicine — every time.
- Use household products according to label directions. Mixing household products can cause dangerous gases to form.
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm.
