Poisoning

Sugar has posted an entry on the dangers of antifreeze to animals.

I think it's necessary to stress that antifreeze is toxic to humans as well, and ingestion of large volumes can kill. The stuff should not just be kept out of animals' reach, but also out of little hands' reach. A high shelf in a garage is about the best place for antifreeze.

Other household substances can be just as hazardous. I found this very useful webpage from the US government agency FEMA. I recommend the link to "Technological Hazards", which is an 18-page PDF-document with instructions. This is obviously geared towards the US citizen, but is equally useful elsewhere.

Generally, if you think you or someone else has been exposed to a dangerous chemical and don't know what to do:

# contact the local hospital's Emergency Room or A&E department
# ask your doctor or pharmacist
# if the casualty is visibly unwell or seriously affected; and/or if others are in danger: ring the Emergency Services number (UK: 999 / 112) (USA 911) and ask for Ambulance

In either of these cases -
    * explain as calmly as you can what happened
    * which substance has been involved, and possibly how much of it
    * follow advice given
# retain any containers
# do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so (some chemicals are caustic and can cause further damage if regurgitated)
# do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink (certain chemicals can actually pass into the body in the presence of fat, like that contained in milk for instance)
# do not touch affected clothing or skin

Containers of hazardous chemicals will display symbols in orange triangles. You may be familiar with the orange shields on road transporters for (e.g.) fuel. These are coded for content, and will show the hazard they pose.
Wikipedia have a useful page, which shows some of the common symbols.