National Poison Prevention Week is  March 21-27 for 2021.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is highlighting the dangers of removing pesticides and other household chemicals from their original containers and storing them in bottles or cans that can be mistaken for drink. Poison Control Centers have reported cases of accidental poisonings from ingestion of chemical substances stored in soda and juice bottles and cans, coffee cups, baby bottles and various other beverage containers.

One of the simplest ways to prevent poisonings is to always keep products in their original containers. Product labels contain valuable use instructions and important precautions and first aid needed in case of an emergency.

National Poison Prevention Week is a time to raise awareness about simple steps that can be taken to prevent poisonings. Most poisonings happen in people’s homes and are preventable. Here are tips to reduce exposure:

• Post the Poison Control Centers’ national helpline number, 1-800-222-1222, near your phone. Program the number into your phone's "address book." 
• Read the product label first and follow the directions to the letter.
• Never transfer pesticides and other household chemical products to containers that may be mistaken for food or drink. 
• Re-close products if interrupted during application (e.g., phone call, doorbell, etc.).
• Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container tightly after use.
• Make sure all of your household cleaning and pesticide products are stored out of children’s reach and use childproof locks on low cabinets.
• Remove children, pets, and toys before applying pesticides (inside or outside the home). Follow label directions to determine when children and pets can re-enter the area that has been treated.

More information about poisoning prevention in your home: 

• Reduce Your Child's Chances of Pesticide Poisoning

See these for more information on poison-proofing your home and safely controlling pests in an around your home:

• Pesticide Poison Prevention Checklist
• Got Pests?  Control Them Safely

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EPA Guidance on How to Comply with the Revised Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides

Today, EPA in conjunction with the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC) is making available a guide to help users of agricultural pesticides comply with the requirements of the 2015 revised federal Worker Protection Standard. You should read this manual if you employ agricultural workers or handlers, are involved in the production of agricultural plants as an owner/manager of an agricultural establishment or a commercial (for-hire) pesticide handling establishment, or work as a crop advisor.

This “How to Comply” manual includes:

• details to help you determine if the WPS requirements apply to you;
• information on how to comply with the WPS requirements, including exceptions, restrictions, exemptions, options, and examples;
• “Quick Reference Guide”- a list of the basic requirements (excluding exemptions, exceptions, etc.);
• new or revised definitions that may affect your WPS responsibilities; and
• explanations to help you better understand the WPS requirements and how they may apply to you. 

This updated Pesticide Worker Protection Standard "How to Comply" Manual supersedes the 2005 version. Changes to the standard have made the 2005 version obsolete. Read the Pesticide Worker Protection Standard “How to Comply” Manual.

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The Center for Integrated Pest Management has launched the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship website. This site is designed for anyone who applies, sells, stores or disposes of pesticides. The website complements the work of Extension agents and Pesticide Safety Education Programs. It covers a wide variety of stewardship topics ranging from storage, handling and disposal, drift runoff and has an extensive section for Homeowners.