What Would Rat Poison Do to a Human?
Rat poison is highly toxic for humans and their pets. It is crucial that anyone considering the use of rat poison to rid a property of the rodent fully understand the dangers of the product.
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Anticoagulant
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Rat poison has the effect of a blood thinner or anticoagulant. The blood is unable to clot normally and the result is fatal. When a human comes in contact with the toxic particles, the poison will have the same blood-thinning effect. Humans may inadvertently inhale the substance or touch it when setting the poison out.
Symptoms
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Rat poison may cause a human to have pale gums, a bloody nose, bruising and bloody urine and stools, which are signs that blood is not clotting properly. A child or adult exhibiting these signs should be taken for immediate emergency medical treatment.
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Prevention/Solution
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Treatment for poison includes high doses of vitamin K and possible blood transfusions. Be aware that some rat poisons have no known treatments, according to Orkin LLC. Consider hiring a professional exterminator or use extreme caution when using over-the-counter rat poison. Be warned that a naturally curious child may discover, play with and/or ingest the sweet-tasting ingredients in rat poison.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit poison symbol image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
