Advocate Condell physician writes prescription for healthy spring cleaning
After a long winter, it's time for spring cleaning. While there's potential for a sense of satisfaction, the annual rite can also pose some health and safety concerns. In fact, the Home Safety Council estimates that each year more than 21 million people will visit the emergency room as a result of home injuries.
Home hazards include improper use of cleaning and gardening solutions, which can lead to serious injury.
“While we see our share of falls and lacerations, we also treat many patients with poisonings related to household and gardening chemicals,” said John Piotrowski, M.D. an emergency medicine physician at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. “Many household cleaning products do more harm than good.”
According to Dr. Piotrowski, symptoms from chemical exposure to household cleaning products include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Skin rash or burn
• Nausea
“Call your physician or 911 if symptoms are severe,” he added.
Dr. Piotrowski also provided tips for safer spring cleaning:
• Read product labels and carefully follow safety recommendations. These may include wearing safety glasses, gloves, protective clothing and a mask. Many household chemicals are corrosive, meaning they can cause burns to the skin. Many pesticides can cause nerve damage and may be absorbed through the skin or lungs.
• Clean up chemical spills immediately.
• Do not mix products together because their contents could react with dangerous results.
• Store all household and garden chemicals properly. Avoid storing cleaning materials filled with chemicals under your sink.
• Clear out old products and dispose of them safely.
• Opt for natural or nontoxic cleansers.
• Have the phone number for the poison control center in a handy place. Keep directions for chemical use in a central place, as they list accidental poisoning treatments.
“Spring cleaning will be much more rewarding if you follow these guidelines,” advised Dr. Piotrowski. “It will be much more rewarding than a trip to the emergency room.”