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National Poison Prevention Month  | |||||
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Every 30 seconds a child is poisoned in the U.S. Sixty-percent of all poisonings occur to children under the age of six. Poisonings happen to adults also-especially older people who cannot read labels or who fail to follow instructions. Since the Consumer Product Safety Commission says that more than 9 of every 10 suspected poison exposures occur at home, parents should do their part by keeping harmful products and medicines out of children's reach, storing them in their original containers, and properly use child-resistant packaging. Among the potentially toxic household products involved with calls to the poison centers were:  Personal care products-baby oil and mouthwash containing ethanol. Cleaning substances-drain openers and oven cleaners. Over-the-counter pain relievers-ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin; cough and cold medicines. Hydrocarbon-lamp oil (very toxic) and furniture polish. Adult-strength vitamins and supplements containing iron.
Grandparents or people who keep their prescription drugs in non-child-resistant pill boxes (the kind that separates the days) - please be aware of this risk. Many poisonings occur while the products are in use and a parent or caregiver steps away or is distracted for a moment. And poisonings have happened when youngsters have visited homes where no children live.  |
Sometimes it's difficult to tell if your child has swallowed a household product or medicine if you find them playing with it. Reactions may vary depending on the product. Sometimes the child may vomit or appear to be drowsy or sluggish. Look to see is the substance remains around their mouth and teeth, if there are burns around the lips from corrosive items, or if you can smell the product on the child's breath. Some products cause no immediate symptoms. If a household chemical has been ingested call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 or follow first aid instructions on the label. Call 911 if there is no answer. And always keep emergency numbers listed near the phone before an emergency arises. When talking to experts from the Poison Control Center, who are pharmacists and registered nurses, they will want to know the following about the victim: Age Weight Existing health conditions/problems Substance involved How it contacted the person (swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through the skin, splashed in the eyes) How much time has gone by since incident Any first aid given already If the person vomited your location.Note: — ALWAYS KEEP ON HAND AT HOME A 1-OUNCE BOTTLE OF IPECAC SYRUP for each child under 5 in the home. But only use if the Poison Control Center, ER, or doctor says it's okay. |
Here's something especially for men to remember. It is dangerous to use cups or soft-drink bottles to hold paint thinner, turpentine, gasoline, or other household chemicals. Children associate cups, soft-drink bottles, and other drinking glasses with food and drink. Fatalities have been reported, for example, when lighter fluid intended for outdoor barbecue fires was poured into such containers and swallowed by children. Never let children out of your sight when using products, and keep items in original containers. Other helpful hints to prevent poisoning: Always leave the light on when giving or taking medicine. Avoid taking medicine in front of children and don't call it candy. Clean out medicine cabinets periodically and dispose of unneeded medicines down the drain/toilet, and rinse container before discarding. Watch out for tiny batteries. They may cause poisoning if swallowed and become lodged in the esophagus or intestinal tract. Never mix medicines and alcohol. Never take more than the prescribed amount of medicine. Never borrow or loan medicine. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other medicines your are taking to avoid adverse drug interactions. Lock pesticide-related products in cabinets or sheds. Read the label and remove children and their toys from the area as recommended. Know the name of the plants in your home and yard.Label your plants. Teach your children not to eat mushrooms, leaves, and berries that grow in the yard.
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Copyright 2006, Mecosta County Medical Center