Children Act Fast, So Do Poisons
It only takes seconds for children to get a hold of something poisonous. Two of the characteristics that we usually nurture and encourage in our kids – intelligence and curiosity – can be disastrous when it comes to keeping them safe.
Did you know that someone calls a U.S. poison control center about every 12 seconds? Every year poison control centers help over a million parents and caregivers when kids get into things that could harm them, like medicines, cleaning chemicals, even the mushrooms growing in the backyard! Poisoning is the #1 cause of injury death in the U.S., and the number of children who die from poisoning each year has more than doubled since 1999.
Over half of the cases managed by poison control centers each year involve children 12 and under. The vast majority of these cases involve kids swallowing something, but poisoning can happen via the eyes, skin, and lungs, too.
Here are the top ten substances involved in calls to poison control for kids 12 and under:
- Cosmetics and personal care products, like hand sanitizer, deodorant, and nail polish remover
- Household cleaning products
- Pain relieving medicines, both over-the-counter and prescription
- Foreign bodies like toys, coins, and button batteries
- Medicinal creams, like acne cream and hydrocortisone cream
- Anti-allergy medicines
- Vitamins, especially chewable vitamins that taste good
- Pesticides and insect repellants
- Dietary supplements, herbals, and homeopathic remedies
- Plants, both indoor and outdoor
BE PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY
Make sure you have the national, free number for poison control saved in your phone and posted in your home. That number is 1 (800) 222-1222. Anyone can call any time, whether it’s an emergency, or if you just have questions about a product or substance. Don’t be embarrassed to call; calls are private, and the poison specialists are happy to answer your questions and provide guidance.
PRACTICE SAFE STORAGE HABITS
Dangerous substances for kids should be stored up, away, and out of sight. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a child-proof lock or container, and there is no substitution for adult supervision and vigilance.
READ AND FOLLOW LABELS AND DIRECTIONS
Make a habit of reviewing the label on anything that has one prior to use, especially before administering medications to children. Take care to follow not only usage directions, but the directions provided for safe storage and disposal as well.
DETECT INVISIBLE THREATS
Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. The old saying is true – an ounce of caution is really worth a pound of cure. Each year, more than 90% of exposures reported to local poison control centers occur in the home.
PREPARE FOOD SAFELY
Practice safe food preparation and handling to avoid food poisoning. Whenever you have questions about poison or poison prevention, don’t hesitate to call the National Poison Control Center hotline at 1 (800) 222-1222.
Keep kids safe – store your household chemicals and other items up and away from children!
Original source can be found here.
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