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Accidental poisoning can happen at any time, and in any place, but over 90% of poisonings happen in the home. In 2007, the Utah Poison Control Center responded to over 57,000 calls the majority of them being potential poisonings. Children are more at risk for poisoning because they are smaller, have faster metabolic rates, and are less likely to physically handle toxic chemicals. Over 60 percent of potential poisoning incidents involve children under age 6 because children have that natural curiosity and desire to put everything in their mouths.
The Utah Safety Council offers some ways you can keep yourself and family members safer by being aware of the potential hazards in your home and preventing childhood poisonings.
* Store all household products and medicines out of reach and out of sight of small children and pets.
* Store all medicines separately from household products and household chemicals away from food.
* Always read the label before using.
* WARNING: First Aid instruction on product labels are often incorrect or dangerous.
* Never store potential poisons in containers used for eating and drinking. Store all potential poisons in their original, labeled containers. Leave the original label on all products.
* Store all potential poisons in their original, labeled containers. Leave the original labels on all products.
* Avoid taking medication in front of small children and never refer to it as "candy."
* Turn on a light when taking or giving medication and use child resistant closures.
* When you are using household chemical products and medicines, never let them out of your sight, even if you must take them along when answering the telephone or doorbell.
* Clean out your medicine cabinet periodically.
* Remember that carbon monoxide exposures are considered a poisoning.
In the event of a suspected poisoning, it is important that prompt and appropriate action is taken.¬ The most effective first aid approach includes these steps:
Post the following numbers near your phone.
* Utah Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. *Call Poison Control First*
* Your local emergency number (usually 911).
* Your pediatrician and hospital.
When phoning for help, have the following information ready:
* The child's age and weight, along with any health problems.
* Circumstances of the poisoning (ate, breathed, spilled on skin or splashed in the eyes).
* The poison container.
* What, if any, first aid has already been administered.
* If the child has vomited.
* How fast you can get to a hospital.
For a free brochure on preventing poisonings, contact the Utah Safety Council at (801) 478-7878, or (800) 933-5943 outside the Salt Lake Metro area. |
