And now for somelthing completely different: a question about rat poison

[hmpf]

Okay, I realise this sounds a bit alarming after last night's/today's posts ;-) but the point of this post is to *avoid* poisoning myself, honest

Comments

[birggitt]

Well, it would come handy to know which kind of poison was, as there are many, some of them quite dangerous.
If they were what are called "anticoagulant rodenticides", and you are able to boil your crockery, you should be ok.
But porous pottery could retain poison residues, and, if they have arsenic (which is still used on some of them, is a big NO.

Eeeek.

[hmpf]

Right, now I'm even more scared...

Well, impossible to tell what kind of poison it was, as it's long gone. (I could ask my landlord, though.)

It's not porous crockery, btw - just regular, smooth-surfaced porcelain.

What has me worried a bit now, in addition to the saucers and stuff, is this: I did a load of dishes today, after the anonymous flatmate cleaned the rat poison dishes. I used a new sponge for the cleaning, but, obviously, the same sink. Can I safely use the dishes I washed, or is that a no-no now, too? In that case, I've just ruined the majority of my good porcelain.

Re: Eeeek.

[birggitt]

No, you can safely use the sink, because there is no chance for poison get "stuck" in it.
And if boil your crockery, then, you are safe. Most of modern rat poison are not really dangerous to people, but, as you landlord was talking about some really strong one, well... maybe is not one of the safes one. You should ask him, just to be on the safe side.
And damn! I used safe a lot in this... I must work in my synonyms :)

Re: Eeeek.

[hmpf]

Right. I think I'll take most of the crockery to my parents, who have a dishwasher (those usually use boiling hot water, right?), and boil the non-dishwasher safe stuff separately.

But you said if it was a poison that contains arsenic, then boiling wouldn't be enough?

I've done some more research and found that all kinds of chemical compounds are used as rat poison. Sadly, I haven't been able to find any information about 'safe' doses for any of these. What can be left on those saucers can't be much, really - just trace amounts; so it would be really helpful to know if those trace amounts are still dangerous.

I think I need an expert to put this question to, but I don't know who would be an expert on rat poison... especially on Indian rat poison! A pharmacologist, maybe?

[crowie]

Oof that's scary. I have a mouse infestation from time to time. Mostly in the winter or if there's building work near by. I've never used traps or poison though. My hyperactive cat thinks mice are the best toys ever so she's good at keeping them out.