March 15-21 is designated National Poison Prevention Week. According to the Center for Disease Control, over 300 children in the United States are treated in ER’s every day, and two children die, as a result of being poisoned. Products commonly found in the household can potentially become deadly if not used and stored with caution. In a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics, more than 17,000 children under age six ingested, inhaled, or squirted into their eyes, the contents of single-load laundry detergent packets in just one year.
Here are some simple prevention tips:
. Keep all products in original containers — Never transfer dangerous products like bleach or paints to soft drink bottles or other containers used for food and drink without a child-resistant closure.
. Keep foods and household products separate — Cleaning fluids, detergents, insecticides and other household products should be stored away from food and medications, and out of sight of children in a cabinet or closet that locks or has a child-resistant latch. Use child-resistant packaging, and remember to reseal the package after every use.
. Never call flavored medicine “candy” — Children may look for and find the bottle and eat or drink its contents.
. Read the label — Follow label directions and read all warnings before giving medicines to children.
. Don’t keep it if you don’t need it — Safely dispose of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs and over the counter medications. To dispose of medicines, mix them with coffee grounds or kitty litter and throw them away. You can also turn them in at a local take-back program or during National Drug Take-Back events.
. Know the number — If you suspect poisoning has occurred, immediately call the Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if you have a poison emergency.
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All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.