Poison Prevention Week: March 14-20

National Poison Prevention Week is March 14-20, 2010. What a perfect time to reassess our safety practices both at home and in child care. Poisons can be found everywhere and come in the form of gases, solids, liquids, or sprays. Usually poisons are ingested but they can also be inhaled into the lungs, absorbed through the skin or into the eye, or absorbed though a sting or a bite. Children under the age of 6 years account for over 50% of the 2.4 million estimated poisonings that occur each year. Cosmetics, medication, cleaning products, plants, and pesticides are the most common causes of poisoning for this age group.  Children are drawn to the smell, color, and packaging of these products, which can be very attractive and look similar to items they would typically eat or drink. A child can not tell the difference between a medication and a jelly bean.

Safety Tips to Help Prevent Poisoning:

  • Store all chemicals, medication, and cleaning products in an area with safety locks or in a place completely inaccessible to children.

  • To avoid confusion, make sure any potentially harmful remain item is stored in the original container.

  • Keep items such as hand bags or diaper bags out of the reach of children.  They often contain potentially harmful products. 

  • Read and follow the package directions.  Some products are harmful if they are inhaled or come in contact with skin.

  • Be aware of plants, some are poisonous if ingested.  This is true for pets as well as children.

  • Remember child resistant caps are a barrier to keep children safe.  Most children will be able to open these caps within a short period of time. 

  • Teach a child not to eat, drink, or smell anything unless they have checked with a grown up first.


Have the Poison Control Number 1-800-222-1222 listed with your emergency numbers. Always call if you suspect a child has been poisoned. 

When a poison has caused a medical emergency such as convulsions, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness ALWAYS CALL 911 FIRST.

 

 For more information go to http://poisoneducation.org