Poison Control

Protecting Your Household from Risks with Wells, Septics, Household Hazards, and Lead

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Hazard tape reads 'DANGER LEAD HAZARD WORK AREA KEEP OUT' in foreground as two workers in protective hazmat suits work near a house window in the background.

Environmental health begins at home. The systems and materials we rely on every day — private wells, septic systems, household products, and older housing materials — can affect health and safety when they are not properly maintained or managed. In Eastern Connecticut, where many homes rely on private wells and septic systems and older housing remains common, prevention and routine maintenance are essential for protecting your household.

Private Wells Require Ongoing Attention

For households served by a private well, water quality should never be assumed. As noted in the Uncas Health District’s well water information, regular testing is important because water quality can change over time, and appearance alone does not indicate whether water is safe. Annual testing, as well as additional follow-up after flooding, repairs, or noticeable changes in taste, odor, or appearance, can help identify concerns before they become health risks.

In southeastern Connecticut, well owners should also be aware of local conditions that may affect groundwater quality. Flooding, stormwater intrusion, runoff, impacts from nearby septic systems, and certain historic or current land uses can all affect private well safety.

PFAS and Emerging Water Quality Concerns

One emerging issue for private well owners is PFAS, a group of chemicals that persist in the environment and may affect drinking water sources. The Connecticut Institute of Water Resources at UConn provides helpful information about PFAS testing, why these substances are a concern, and when testing may be appropriate for private wells. Staying informed about groundwater risks is an important step in protecting household water quality.

Septic Systems Are Part of Home Environmental Health

Septic systems are another important part of home environmental health. When properly maintained, they help safely manage wastewater and protect groundwater quality. When neglected, they can contribute to contamination and create both environmental and public health concerns. Routine inspections, pumping as needed, water conservation, and proper disposal practices all play an important role in keeping a septic system functioning effectively.

Everyday Household Habits Matter

Environmental health also includes the choices made inside the home every day. Improperly disposing of grease, chemicals, medications, or non-flushable products can damage septic systems and introduce hazards into the home environment. Small steps—such as using household chemicals carefully, storing hazardous products safely, and avoiding improper disposal—can help reduce risks and protect both indoor and outdoor environmental health.

Lead Safety in Older Homes

Lead safety is another critical part of maintaining a healthy home, particularly in older housing. Connecticut’s Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Program provides important guidance to residents on the dangers of lead exposure and the steps they can take to prevent it. Lead remains a serious health concern, especially for young children and pregnant individuals, and there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Older homes are especially important to monitor because lead-based paint was commonly used before 1978. As painted surfaces deteriorate—or are disturbed during repair or renovation—lead dust can be released into the home. Windows, doors, trim, porches, and other high-friction surfaces can be common sources of exposure. The state’s lead prevention program offers resources for homeowners, families, and contractors to help identify hazards and reduce exposure.

Renovations Can Increase Risk

Renovation work in older homes should be approached carefully. Sanding, scraping, demolition, and window replacement can all disturb lead-based paint if proper precautions are not taken. Using lead-safe work practices and qualified professionals can help reduce the spread of hazardous dust and keep household members safer during home improvement projects. Homeowners planning work on pre-1978 housing should review the state’s lead safety and prevention guidance before beginning a project.

Prevention Starts at Home

Residents are encouraged to think of environmental health as an ongoing part of home maintenance rather than something addressed only when a problem arises. Annual well testing, awareness of PFAS and groundwater risks, regular septic maintenance, safer handling of household products, and lead-safe renovation practices can all help reduce preventable hazards at home.

Protecting health at home often begins with awareness. By staying informed and taking preventive steps, households can help safeguard their drinking water, living environment, and long-term well-being. For more information, residents can learn more about PFAS testing through UConn’s Connecticut Institute of Water Resources and access the state’s Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Program.

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Poison Prevention: Safe Storage for Meds and Chemicals

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Little girl with bottle of cleaning product in kitchen

Spring cleaning season is a good time to think about poison prevention at home. More than 90% of poisonings happen in people’s homes, most often in places like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. That is why a few simple habits around storage, labeling, and disposal can make a real difference for children, pets, and adults alike.

Keep Medications Up, Away, and Out of Reach

Prescription medicines, over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, and supplements should all be stored in a locked cabinet or in a place where children cannot reach or see them. The CDC recommends keeping medicine “up and away and out of sight,” relocking safety caps each time, and making sure visiting family members or guests keep purses, bags, and coats containing medication out of reach, too.

This applies to everyday items, too. Common medicines like ibuprofen, aspirin, sleep aids, or gummies can seem harmless because they are familiar, but they can still be dangerous when taken by the wrong person, in the wrong amount, or by a child or pet. Safe storage matters even when a product is sold over the counter.

Store Cleaners and Chemicals Carefully

Household cleaners, disinfectants, laundry products, bleach, pesticides, and automotive chemicals should be treated with the same care as medication. Poison Help advises keeping these products in locked cabinets or otherwise out of reach and following all label directions carefully. It also warns against mixing household chemicals, as doing so can create dangerous gases.

Original Containers are a Safety Tool

One of the easiest ways to prevent poisoning is to keep medications and chemicals in their original, properly labeled containers. Poison Help specifically advises against storing cleaners or chemicals in food containers such as cups or bottles, because many poisonings happen when one product is mistaken for another.

That matters for adults as well as children. Once pills are moved into an unmarked bottle or a cleaner is poured into a drink container, it becomes much easier to make a dangerous mistake. Clear labels help everyone know exactly what they are handling.

Dispose of Unused Medications Safely

Unused or expired medicines should not sit in a cabinet where they can be accidentally swallowed, misused, or taken by someone who was not prescribed them. The FDA says the best option for most unused prescription and over-the-counter medicines is a drug take-back location or a prepaid mail-back envelope.

If those options are not readily available, the FDA says to check whether the medicine is on its flush list. Only medicines on that list should be flushed. If the medicine is not on the flush list, the FDA recommends mixing it with something undesirable, such as dirt, used coffee grounds, or cat litter, sealing the mixture in a bag or other container, and throwing it in the household trash after removing personal information from the packaging.

What to Do in an Emergency

If you think someone may have been poisoned, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Call Poison Help right away at 1-800-222-1222. The line is free, available 24/7, and connects you with your local poison center. If the person is not breathing, has collapsed, or is having a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

Small Prevention Steps Can Go a Long Way

Poison prevention does not have to be complicated. Put medications away right after use. Keep cleaners in the containers they came in. Store chemicals away from food. Read disposal directions before throwing anything out. These small, consistent habits can help prevent a frightening and avoidable emergency.

Harm Reduction Services at the Uncas Health District

Uncas Health District’s Mobile Health Team provides free, confidential community-based services, and current district materials describe harm-reduction resources, including syringe services and other supports. The Uncas Health District also offers comprehensive Harm Reduction Resources.

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Up & Away: Keeping Your Medicine Out of Reach From Children

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toddler reaching for medication in bathroom

Each year, approximately 35,000 young children are rushed to emergency rooms due to accidental medication poisoning. Often, these incidents occur when medicines are left within a child’s reach. As caregivers, parents, and guardians, understanding proper medication storage is essential for protecting the health and safety of children.

The “Up & Away” Initiative

The “Up & Away” campaign, spearheaded by PROTECT in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to reduce the number of children who accidentally ingest medications. This initiative provides practical tips for ensuring that medications and vitamins are stored securely and kept out of sight and reach of curious little hands.

Tips for Properly Storing Medications

Here are some key recommendations from the “Up & Away” initiative:

  • Store Medications Out of Reach and Sight
    Keep all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins, in high and secure locations. Ensure these storage spots are beyond the reach of children and out of their line of sight.
  • Lock It Up
    If possible, use childproof locks or containers to store medications. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent accidental access.
  • Be Cautious During the Holidays
    The holidays often involve hosting guests or visiting other homes. Be mindful of where purses, bags, or coats containing medications are placed. Encourage guests to store these items up and away when visiting your home, and practice the same precautions when you’re a guest in someone else’s home.
  • Teach Medicine Safety
    It’s crucial to educate children about the role of medication. Explain that medicine is not candy and should only be taken when given by a responsible adult. Avoid using phrases that compare medicine to treats, even if children dislike taking it.
  • Be Prepared for Emergencies
    Store the Poison Control hotline (1-800-222-1222) in your phone and ensure it’s easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Establishing Safe Habits

Creating a safe environment for children goes beyond physical precautions; it involves fostering an understanding of safety from a young age. Encouraging open conversations about the purpose and proper use of medications can help children develop respect for these substances as they grow.

For additional tips and resources, visit the “Up & Away” campaign website at UpandAway.org.