Finger Lakes Regional Poison & Drug Information Center

Poison Prevention

Know what plants are poisonous.
Identify the plants in your home, garden and neighborhood. Take clippings to a plant specialist for identification and write down their names. Keep the list handy. Know if they are poisonous.
Consult a plant specialist or call the Center for suggestions about plants to avoid and plants to give as gifts.
Buy plastic versions of the more poisonous plants, but remember that these are still choking hazards.
Avoid smoke from burning plants.
Do not make teas or home remedies from plants. Strenghts of teas vary and it is easy to mistake a poisonous plant for one that is not poisonous. Many poisons are not destroyed by cooking.
Teach children by example not to eat wild plants and mushrooms.
Teach children not to touch decorative plants or put any plant (or plant part) in their mouths.
Put plants, seeds and bulbs up high where curious hands can not reach them.
Plants eaten by birds and other animals may be poisonous to humans.

Remove any plant materials from the mouth and teeth.
Immediately remove contaminated clothing and rinse the area with warm running water if there is a skin irritation.
Call the Finger Lakes Regional Poison and Drug Information Center to determine if treatment is required.
Keep a bottle of Syrup of Ipecac in the house for each child under six years of age. Syrup of Ipecac is the only safe way to cause vomiting in poisoning emergencies. Always call the Center before using it. Syrup of Ipecac is available at most drug stores without a prescription.