Spring is a time for fresh air, warmer weather, and new beginnings. It’s also a season when poison exposures become more common. Spring cleaning, yard work, gardening, home projects, and time outdoors can all increase the risk of accidental poisoning.

A well-manicured lawn with someone mowing the grass during springtime.The Iowa Poison Control Center is here to help you enjoy spring safely. Use these spring safety tips to protect your loved ones.

Spring Cleaning Safety

Spring cleaning often brings strong household cleaning products into our homes. Many of these chemicals can burn skin and eyes or cause serious harm if swallowed or mixed.

Spring cleaning safety tips include:

  • Read and follow all label directions
  • Never mix cleaning products
    • Do not mix bleach with ammonia or acids, as toxic gases can form
  • Use products in well-ventilated areas
  • Store household cleaning products up high, locked, and out of sight of children and pets
  • Keep products in their original, product-labeled containers
  • Never leave children alone with cleaning supplies

Lawn, Garden, and Pesticide Safety

Warmer weather means more time outside, but garden chemicals and lawn care products can be harmful if not used properly.

Pesticide safety and lawn fertilizer safety tips:

  • Follow label instructions exactly
  • Wear protective gloves and clothing when needed
  • Keep children and pets away from treated areas until fully dry
  • Store pesticides, weed killers, and lawn fertilizer locked up
  • Never transfer garden chemicals into food or drink containers

Common spring hazards include insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides, and fertilizers used for lawns and gardens.

Poisonous Plants and Wild Mushrooms

Spring brings new plant growth and new risks.

  • Learn the names of your indoor and outdoor plants
  • Keep poisonous plants, bulbs, seeds, and plant food away from children and pets
  • Teach children not to eat leaves, berries, seeds, or flowers

Wild mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms:

  • All wild mushrooms should be considered poisonous unless identified by an expert
  • Check your yard regularly, especially after rain
  • Remove mushrooms promptly
  • Teach children never to touch or eat wild mushrooms

Medication Safety in Spring

Allergy, cold, and flu medications are commonly used in spring, with medication errors being a frequent cause of poisoning.

Medication safety tips:

  • Read labels carefully
  • Avoid taking multiple medicines with the same active ingredients
  • Follow the dosing instructions exactly
  • Store medications in original containers
  • Keep all medicines up high and out of reach of children

Pet Safety Matters Too

Safety tips for spring include awareness of pet poisoning. Pets are also at risk from spring hazards such as pesticides, lawn fertilizer, poisonous plants, and household cleaning products. Keep all chemicals secured and watch pets closely during yard work and cleaning.

Enjoy spring with confidence! Save the poison control number today and prioritize springtime safety.

If you have questions about poison prevention or if a poison exposure occurs, call poison help at 1-800-222-1222. Our trained specialists are available 24/7 to provide expert advice for children and adults.