Poison Prevention
Did you know...
Children ages 1 to 3 are at the highest risk. Young children may put
anything in their mouths. This is part of learning. Many household
products can be poisonous if swallowed, if in contact with the skin or eyes,
or if inhaled.
Common Examples
Medicines: Aspirin, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, iron pills.
Household Products: Moth balls, furniture polish, drain cleaners, weed
killers, insect or rat poisons, lye, paint thinners, bleach, cosmetics.
Here are some safety rules:
- Keep harmful products out of your child's sight and reach
- Never call medicine "candy".
- Buy medicine and household products in childproof packages.
- Always replace the safety caps immediately after use.
- Never leave alcohol within a child's reach.
- Immediately seek professional help if your child swallows a substance
that is not food. Call the Poison Center, 911 or your doctor.
- Keep the doctors and hospitals phone number by your phone, as well as
Poison Controls, which is 1-800-492-2414.
- Keep a 1-ounce bottle of syrup of ipecac in your home. Use only when
told to do so by the Poison Center. Syrup of ipecac is available from your
local pharmacy.
- Keep products in their original containers. Never put inedible products
in food or drink containers.
- Read labels with care before using any product.
- Teach children not to drink or eat anything unless an adult gives it.
- Do not take medicine in front of small children. Children tend to copy
adult behavior.
- Check your home often for old medications or substances and discard them.
- Discard substances used for old-fashioned treatments, such as oil of
wintergreen, boric acid, ammoniated mercury, oil of turpentine, and
camphorated oil.
- Be alert for repeated poisoning. Children who swallow a poison are
likely to try again within a year.
Any Questions? E-Mail: ehvfc12@hotmail.com
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Last updated March 16, 2006