This is National Poison Prevention Week, and the start of spring means there will be more opportunities for children to get outside or into the garage…and possibly get exposed to dangerous substances.

For parents, there are potential hazards everywhere when young children are involved; anything from household cleaners and medications, to pesticides or small batteries, could pose a risk to kids who aren’t aware of the dangers.

Cory Frank is the Environmental Health Program Manager for the Marion County Public Health Department; he tells KNIA/KRLS News this time of year can see leftover salt or ice melting compounds be left out within reach of children, as well as the introduction of potentially hazardous substances being used for the first time.

“They may try to get into that stuff; so whether it’s ice melt, and then to flip the switch, this summer when you’re washing your car and you have other chemicals that you use to detail your car, things like that,” Frank says.

“Anything that a kid can see or touch or get into, they more than likely will get into, meaning that they could get it open and then ingest it. And then you would have to take measures.”

Frank says being proactive is essential if you’re a parent; any potentially hazardous substance, cleaner or medication should be locked up or kept well out of the reach of children.

And if you do find yourself with a child that may have ingested something potentially dangerous, he says you can call the state’s Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222, or 9-1-1. The Poison Control Center is available around the clock, to assist both parents and medical professionals looking for advice on emergency treatment.