Many people have everyday access to hazardous materials in their home like cleaners and different kinds of sprays, and being exposed to those materials in a negative way can happen.

Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Kempf says that when someone is exposed, there are a few ways that they could react to the exposure. He mentions that those reactions include things like difficulty breathing, irritation to the eyes, skin and airways, headaches, dizziness and many other symptoms.

Kempf mentions that when someone is accidentally exposed to harmful materials, one of the first things they should do is contact medical services should they need them. He adds that another thing to do would be to call the Iowa Poison Control Center or National Poison Control Center as they can help with initial treatment, especially if you know what you were exposed to.

Kempf emphasizes that if a harmful, hazardous material is ingested, or spilled on someone, contacting medical help should be the first thing to do. He adds that some chemicals and materials can be more detrimental to a person’s health than others, so making sure that the necessary help can be provided is important.