COLUMBIA, Mo. – Curiosity can kill the cat. And the children.
That’s why National Poison Prevention Week, March 15-21, is a good time to check for poison hazards in your home, says Kandace Fisher McLean, University of Missouri Extension housing and design specialist.
Nine out of 10 poisonings happen in the home, McLean said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poisoning is the No. 1 cause of injury death in the U.S.
Prevention is simple and inexpensive.
First, identify poisons, McLean said. Look at the kitchen, bathroom and laundry area from the same level a child might. Remember that children are curious and like to put things in their mouth. Many poisons look like common candies and liquids.
Make a plan to keep items out of the reach of children and pets. Store items in a cabinet that is too high for a child to reach. Use safety latches to lock cabinets within easy reach of children.
Put things away immediately after using. Put medicine caps on child-resistant bottles after use and store in a locked area. Do not leave cleaning products on the counter even for brief periods. If the doorbell or phone rings, put products away or take them with you.
Parents, pet owners, or anyone who has a child or pet visit, should make a regular safety check of their home’s bathroom, kitchen and laundry areas. Check end tables and nightstands for medicine bottles, creams and ointments. Cosmetics and personal care items, in addition to items in purses, are magnets for preschoolers.
Toxic plants also present dangers for children and pets.
New products create new dangers. McLean said single-use laundry packets cause many injuries to children now. Children like the squishy, soft and bright packets. Many injuries occur also when cleaning agents or medicines are not left in their original packaging.
It’s also important to keep the Poison Control Center toll-free number, 1-800-222-1222, posted in a prominent place in the home. Trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers focuses on several poison-prevention-related themes during the 2015 Poison Prevention Week:
Monday, March 16 – Children Act Fast … So Do Poisons.
Tuesday, March 17 – Poison Centers: Saving You Time and Money.
Wednesday, March 18 – Poisonings Span a Lifetime.
Thursday, March 19 – Home, Safe Home.
Friday, March 20 – Medication Safety.
For more information:
“Hazardous Look-Alikes in a Child’s World,” http://missourifamilies.org/features/healtharticles/health15.htm.
Fact sheet on poison safety, http://agrability.missouri.edu/ruralsafety/factsheets/updated/Poison_Safety.pdf.
National Poison Prevention Week, http://www.poisonprevention.org.
Read more http://extension.missouri.edu/news/DisplayStory.aspx?N=2476
