COVID-19 IPC Data

Indiana Poison Center (IPC) is working to prevent exposures related to substances that are commonly used for cleaning for ‘COVID-19.’

With many people taking extra precautions to guard against COVID-19, IPC would like to offer these tips to keep you and your home safe while you clean:

  • Read the labels of all products and use only as intended. If used in other ways, please call IPC immediately. 1.800.222.1222
  • Hand sanitizers are meant only for your hands—do not use them on food or your face
  • Disinfectant wipes are meant to be used for surfaces. Disinfectant wipes are NOT baby wipes.
    • Do not use disinfectant wipes on your face, hands, on foods, or on the lids of beverage containers.
    • To use, wipe the surface with the wipe, then allow the surface to dry prior to touching or placing items back on the surface.
  • Be careful when mixing chemicals. Certain substances, when mixed, can be dangerous if inhaled, or if they come into contact with the skin.
  • Always wear protective eye wear, shoes, gloves, and long clothing when handling chemicals or household cleaners.
  • All products should be kept in their original containers.
  • Do not replace or remove child resistant caps on cleaning products. These caps help prevent exposure by making them more difficult to open.
  • Keep chemicals and cleaners up, away, and out of site, preferably in a locked cabinet.
  • Do not store chemicals above food or other consumable items (like paper towels, napkins, bottled water, etc.).

To learn more about COVID-19 in Indiana, please use this link to visit the Indiana State Department of Health’s webpage:

Coronavirus.in.gov

IPC Human Exposure Data for Cleaning Products During the Pandemic

The following are some of the CDC recommendations for keeping you and your family safe from COVID-19

Three Important Ways to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

  • Wear a mask to help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others.
  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you, particularly in crowded areas.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

How to Protect Yourself When Going Out

  • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect others.
    • Choose a mask with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric that fits snugly against the sides of your face.
  • Stay 6 feet apart and avoid crowds.
    • The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.
  • Avoid indoor spaces as much as possible, particularly ones that aren’t well ventilated
    • You may find it harder to stay 6 feet apart in indoor spaces.
  • Wash your hands often.
    • Use soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

What to Do If You're Sick

  • Stay home except to get medical care. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and recover at home without medical care.
  •  Isolate yourself from other members of your family to prevent spread to them and the people that they may have contact with, like grandparents.
  • If you must leave isolation, wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart from others, wash your hands frequently, and clean all touched surfaces. Even if you don’t feel sick, you can spread COVID-19 to others. Be sure that you protect everyone as though they are the most fragile person in your family.
  •  Get care immediately if you are having emergency warning signs, like trouble breathing, pain or pressure in chest.

 

To learn more, please visit the CDC webpage here: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
IPC is still available 24/7/365 despite COVID-19. We welcome you to call for questions or information.

In the event of an exposure, please call Indiana Poison Center right away. 1-800-222-1222