YOUR GARDEN

- Pesticide Poisoning is always a danger to be aware of when working in your garden or even walking through someone else's garden.

In dealing with any poisoning, act fast; speed is crucial.
The following are one experts suggestions:

First aid is the first step in treating a pesticide poisoning. Study the 'Statement of Treatment' on the product label before you use a pesticide. When you realize a pesticide poisoning is occurring, be sure the victim is not being further exposed to the poison before calling for emergency help. An unconscious victim will have to be dragged into fresh air. Caution: do not become poisoned yourself while trying to help. You may have to put on breathing equipment or protective clothing to avoid becoming the second victim.

After giving initial first aid, get medical help immediately. This advice cannot be repeated too often. Bring the product container with its label to the doctor’s office or emergency room where the victim will be treated; keep the container out of the passenger space of your vehicle. The doctor needs to know what chemical is in the pesticide before prescribing treatment (information that is also on the label). Sometimes the label even includes a telephone number to call for additional treatment information.

A good resource in a pesticide emergency is NPTN, the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network, a toll-free telephone service. Operators are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to provide information on pesticides and on recognizing and responding to pesticide poisonings. If necessary they can transfer inquiries directly to affiliated poison control centers.

National Pesticide Telecommunications Network Call Toll-Free 1-800-858-7378

By all means, keep the phone number of your local Poison Control posted and easy to find. No need to panic, just call the number and calmly listen to instructions.