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Show Poison Center Receives Rash i of Calls on Spider Bites poison information , specialists: How long after ! putting a chemical on my plants do I have to wait to I eat them? How toxic is that chemical my neighbor is I using which is blowing into my yard? I just finished I spraying and my child put the hose attachment in her I mouth. What do I do? When can my children and pets I play on the lawn after the fall fertilizer is applied? I In most cases, the label of the container will provide I answers to such questions. Remember, it is important I to read the entire label before using a chemical. I And it can't be stressed often enough: Keep these I substances out of the reach of children, preferably J under lock and key! Always mix chemicals according to directions. Do not use any household measuring device or container con-tainer with these products. Discard empty containers in sealed plastic bags and rinse all containers before discarding. Some of these chemicals can make you ill just from breathing the fumes or absorbing the material through the skin. If there is a suspected poisoning in your household, call the Intermountain Regional Poison Control Center IMMEDIATELY at 581-2151 or 800-662-4225. Cooler temperatures bring an increasing use of insecticides, in-secticides, baits and fertilizers fer-tilizers as homeowners prepare their homes and yards for winter. Almost without exception, these chemicals are dangerous to use, handle and store. Some are designed to be used indoors and some outdoors. Few products are good for both areas. The Intermountain Regional Poison Control Center at Universtiy of Utah Medical Center reports that insecticides and pesticides get increased use this time of year as various insects and spiders attempt to escape the chill of autumn and begin to migrate into attics and basements. Poisoned bait and grain also see heavy use as homeowners try to protect woodpiles, garages and basements from mice and rats. The application of chemicals in all of these situations can and does cause problems. The Poison Control Center is now receiving a rash of calls about black widow spiders. Is their bite dangerous and does a victim require treatment? In most cases, the answer is "no". Are the sprays and other . chemicals used to control the spiders dangerous and can contact with them cause a poisoning? The answer, all too often, is "yes". Do you have to be a chemist to' determine the proper application or the proper concentration of these preparations? The answer: No. These are common questions posed to University Medical Center's |