Poisoning

Are poisons something you eat?

Yes, poisons are often ingested, but did you know that poisons can be something you eat, touch, smell, or drink?  In general, poisons are anything that makes you sick whether they are absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested.

Simply stated, any substance, in any form, that harms the body is a poison.

What do you think of when you hear the word poison?

It’s a proven fact that most homes have available the makings for an accidental poisoning.  Alarmed? Are you thinking not in my home?   Let’s review the most common and most dangerous poisons documented that can be found in your home.

• Medicine:  prescription and/or over the counter
• Household cleaning products
• Windshield washer fluid
• Antifreeze
• Pesticides
• Hydrocarbons such as kerosene, lighter fluid, furniture polish, paint thinner
• Carbon Monoxide

How many dangerous poisons are available around your home?

You are not alone!  Most homes have most of or all of these poisons.  These everyday products can be a potential hazard, but you have the ability to safeguard your home and your family.

Think POISON PREVENTION:  An easy and necessary safeguard every household should subscribe to.

Prevention First

1. Proper storage
2. Proper use
3. Proper teaching

Proper Storage

• Keep all medicines, chemicals/cleaning solutions and known poisonous substances out of children’s sight and reach.
• Keep pet supplies out of children’s sight and reach.
• Keep all medicines, chemicals/cleaning solutions and known poisonous substances in original, labeled containers.
• Use child-resistant containers.  However, good rule of thumb – Nothing is child proof!
• Never leave potential poisons unattended when in use.  Immediately return to safe storage after use.  Locked storage is best.
• Many household plants are poisonous.  Keep out of reach of children.

Remember, proper storage is directly related to poison prevention.

Proper Use

• Follow all labeled instructions on medicines, chemical/cleaning solutions, and known poisonous solutions.
• Use prescription and non-prescription medicine with the same care; follow the label.
• Do not take medicine in front of children; children like to imitate adults.
• Never refer to medicine as candy.  While tempting when medicating young children, this will cause confusion.
• Use chemicals/cleaning solutions in well-ventilated areas.
• Safely dispose of old medicine.  Flushing down a toilet or drain is effective.
• Safely dispose of chemicals/cleaning solutions after use.  Follow label recommendations.

Remember, many poisonings occur when product is in use, so use care.

Proper Teaching

• Designate a symbol for poisonous substances and teach children that this symbol indicates a poison.
• Many poisons can look like drink/food to children.  Teach children to ask for food/drink.
• Use your designated poison symbols, teach children never to touch, eat, or smell products with these labels.
• Teach children emergency numbers: 911, poison control.  Put numbers by phone, in area accessible to children.

Remember, teaching/knowledge is a great first line of defense to poison prevention.

Accidental Poisoning: Actions to Take

In any suspected or known poisoning it is important to act fast and stay calm.

• Act fast.
• Stay calm.
• Call poison control.  Have available poisoned individuals age, weight, and height.  If mode of poisoning is known, provide this information; ingested, inhaled, or touched.  Finally, when did poisoning occur if known.

Ingested Poisons

• Collect any containers, or bottles near individual.
• Be mindful for any substance by individual such as fragmented pills, powders, liquids or plants.
• Look around individual’s mouth. Do you see burns or substances around mouth?
• Is individual complaining of burning sensation in mouth?

Actions to take:

• Call poison control in you area.
• Do not give anything to drink/eat.
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by poison control.
• Follow Poison Control instructions.
• Keep syrup of ipecac in home.  Again use only if directed by poison control or a physician.
• If individual starts to vomit, turn on side, save for emergency personnel.
• Do not leave individual alone.
• Poison control will instruct you on immediate treatment and any medical attention that is needed.

Inhaled Poisoning

• Carbon monoxide:  Sources include running car in enclosed space, gasoline powered tools, gas leaks, defective furnace, charcoal burning in poorly ventilated area.
• Other toxic fumes:  Generated from fires, garbage, and manure storage areas.
• Chemicals in daily use/around the house.

Actions to take:

• Call ambulance.
• Get individual to fresh air.
• Check breathing, pulse – Begin CPR if needed.
• Do not become a victim your self, do not let fumes overcome you.

Absorbed Poisoning

• Collect all containers around individual with care.
• Look for liquid or dry chemicals on skin.

Actions to take:

• Liquid exposure:  Immediately flush area with large amount of water (gently) for 5 minutes.
• Dry chemical:  Brush off chemical lightly, flush with large amount of water (gently) for 5 minutes
• After flushing, cover with sterile dressing.
• Seek medical attention.
• Use only water to flush.
• Never break open blisters.

How can poison control centers help?

• Poison control centers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Poison control centers have experts on staff.  Pharmacists, registered nurses, and specialists in poison information to assist in treatment protocols and emergency information.
• Information from poison centers is available.  They can counsel on drug interaction, poisoning treatments, and poisoning prevention.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Poison Control Center – 1-800-222-1222
• Log onto American Association of Poison Control Centers at www.aapcc.org