National Poison Prevention Week
March 15-21, 2015
March 15-21, 2015
Each year, approximately
2.4 million people – more than half under age 6 – swallow or have contact with
a poisonous substance. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some
important tips to prevent and to treat exposures to poison.
To poison proof your
home:
Most poisonings occur while parents or caregivers
are home but not paying attention. The most dangerous potential poisons are
medicines, cleaning products, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, pesticides,
furniture polish, gasoline, kerosene and lamp oil. Be especially vigilant when
there is a change in routine. Holidays, visits to and from grandparents’ homes,
and other special events may bring greater risk of poisoning if the usual
safeguards are defeated or not in place.
- Store medicine, cleaners, paints/varnishes and pesticides in their
original packaging in locked cabinets or containers, out of sight and
reach of children.
- Install a safety latch – that locks when you close the door – on
child-accessible cabinets containing harmful products.
- Purchase and keep all medicines in containers with safety caps.
Discard unused medication.
- Never refer to medicine as “candy” or another appealing name.
- Check the label each time you give a child medicine to ensure
proper dosage.
- Never place poisonous products in food or drink containers.
- Keep coal, wood or kerosene stoves in safe working order.
- Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Treatment
If your child is unconscious, not breathing, or
having convulsions or seizures due to poison contact or ingestion, call 911 or
your local emergency number immediately. If your child has come in contact with poison
and has mild or no symptoms, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222
Source: American Academy of
Pediatrics
Sponsored by Olmsted County
Public Health Services
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