- Approximately
8 million people are poisoned in the United States each year.
- Over 90% of
the poisonings are accidental, and could have been prevented.
- Poisonings
is the 5th most common cause of death from injury.
- 60% of poisoning
victims are children under the age of 6.
- 1 out of 2
children in Florida will suffer a poisoning of some kind before
the age of 15.
- Poisoning is
one of the most common health emergencies for children nationwide.
Examples
of Household Poisons
Cleaning Products - Regular household cleaning products
are the major cause of accidental poisoning in children. Products
that are especially dangerous are those that cause chemical burns
(drain openers, toilet bowl cleaners, laundry products)
Lawn, Garden
and Pesticide Chemicals - Many chemicals that are used to control
insects, rodents, and weeds are as toxic to humans as they are to
the intended victims. Most are capable of causing illness, even
if ingested in small quantities.
Automotive
Supplies - Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid are dangerous
to swallow. Their sweet taste and smell makes them especially
appealing to children. Gasoline and oil can be also be harmful
if ingested.
Personal Care
Products - Hair sprays and straighteners can cause burns if inhaled
or ingested. Mouthwash contains alcohol, which can be dangerous
to small children. Some nail care products may also be poisonous
if consumed.
Food Poisoning
- Storing food at improper temperatures, and failure to clean knives,
utensils, cutting boards, counters, stove tops, sinks after use and
not washing hands before and after food preparation can contribute
to food poisoning. Caution needs to be used when handling raw
meat or poultry products.
Medication
Tips
- Store medicines
in their containers, and try to put them out of reach and sight
of children. Use child resistant packages if possible.
Remember, children like to imitate adults. Take your medication
out of their presence.
- Only give medications
to the person for whom the doctor has prescribed it.
- Avoid taking
medications in the dark or without reading the label first.
- Clean out old
medications periodically, flush them down the toilet or drain.
- Never tell
a child that medication "TASTES LIKE
CANDY".
Food Safety
Tips
- Wash counter
tops, hands and preparation utensils with warm soapy water, before
and after preparation.
- Thaw meat and
poultry in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Avoid
leaving food, that can spoil, out for more than a few hours.
- Avoid using
canned foods that have bulging lids or cracks.
- Thoroughly
cook all meat, poultry, eggs and seafood.
Household
Product Tips
- Follow product
label warnings about not mixing products, ventilating the area,
and wearing proper personal safety equipment.
- Keep all products
in their original containers, never store products in glasses
or containers that will later be used for food or drinks.
- Destroy all
old products, do not throw the actual product away, pour it down
the toilet or drain, and then rinse the container out before discarding
it.
- Keep food and
household products separate. Death can be the result of mistaken
identity.
In
Case of a Poisoning Emergency
Call
9-1-1
If
possible, estimate the amount of product ingested.
Get the weight of the person in question
Contact the Poison Control Center
1 (800) 282-3171