Lamps or Tiki torch oil used to light up the backyard or picnic area can be hazardous. Keep away from children. Even a few drops introduced into the airway can produce severe chemical pneumonia requiring hospital treatment. These oils are often pleasantly scented and/or colored and are stored in containers resembling drink bottles. Always keep these products in their original container and locked up away from children.
Self-lighting charcoal and lighter fluid are dangerous products when aspirated (taken into the lungs). They are considered hydrocarbons, which can coat the lungs and create serious respiratory problems and, potentially, lead to death. Charcoal can pose a choking hazard.
Common fireworks such as firecrackers, sparklers, black snakes, bottle rockets, etc., generally contain chemicals which can be toxic in large quantities. However, accidental tastes or licks generally do not result in any serious problems. The bigger danger is the risk of traumatic explosion injury or burns with these items. We strongly recommend calling IPC for exposure to any of these, in order to get product specific recommendations.
Certain medications can make people more susceptible to injury from excessive heat; injury that can lead to organ damage and even death (e.g. heat stroke).
Heat stroke can have many symptoms, among them:
People who are most susceptible to heat stroke include:
Medications that can impair the body’s ability to respond to external heat and cool off include:
Preventing heat stroke however is easy, but it does take being aware that it can happen and knowing the steps to take.
To help avoid heat stroke in others, check up on those who may be isolated and at risk for heat related illness such as the elderly or mentally ill in your community.