prevention pointers

Poison is the leading injury-related death in the United States. National Poison Prevention Week is March 19-25, and the National Poison Prevention Council urges Americans to take note of the prevention e orts we can be a part of. Children and pets are the most curious members of the household, so do your part to keep them safe.

out of sight, out of mind

Think ahead and take precaution. Store the following away from children and pets—up high and out of sight:

› All medications and pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements

› Tobacco and e-cigarette products, especially liquid nicotine

› Alcohol

› Laundry and cleaning supplies (kids especially go for detergent pods, which have a candy-like appearance.)

› Pesticides and insect repellents

› Button batteries, such as those found in watches, key fobs, etc.

› Any type of oil or lubricant, including fragrance oils, tiki torch oils, engine oil, etc.

› Personal care products, especially contact lens disinfectants and hand sanitizers

› Other household chemicals and cleaning supplies, including bleach, ammonia, etc.

› Anti-freeze, which has an especially sweet smell and taste and is highly poisonous to both pets and people

Preventing Poisoning

› Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

› Do not handle food around poison.

› Review the label on any potentially hazardous substance or product prior to use, especially before administering medications. Always follow the directions.

Know The Signs

Symptoms of poisoning include:

› Burns or redness around the mouth and lips

› Breath that smells like chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner

› Vomiting

› Di culty breathing

› Drowsiness

› Confusion or other altered mental status

get help!

The National Poisoning Prevention Council provides guidelines in the case of an accidental poisoning:

› Call 911 immediately if the person is drowsy or unconscious, having di culty breathing or has stopped breathing. Call if it’s known that they took medications or ingested any other substance—intentionally or accidentally.

› If the person is stable, call Poison Help at (800) 222-1222 in the United States or your regional poison control center.

› Don’t give an unconscious person anything by mouth.

› Don’t induce vomiting unless you are told to do so by the Poison Helpline or a doctor. Poison that burns on the way down the throat will also do damage on the way back up.

› Don’t try to neutralize the poison with lemon juice or vinegar, or any other substance, unless you are told to do so by a doctor.

› Don’t use any “cure-all” type antidote.