Be Poison Safe Janet Blair, Child Care Health Consultant Perry County Health Department

Poison Prevention  In the U.S. a child is poisoned every 30 seconds  5.7 million poisonings occur every year  In Kentucky, the KY Regional Poison Center of Kosair Children’s Hospital receives 64,000 calls each year  65% of those calls involve children  70% of those cases can be handled at home

What are Poisons? A poison is any substance that can cause harmful effects in the body. Millions of people are unintentionally poisoned each year Children under the age of 6 are at greatest risk

Forms Of Poisons Solids: plants, powders, medications and foreign objects Liquids: bleach, lamp oil, cleaners and perfume Sprays: insecticides, paint, cosmetics and cleaners Invisibles: carbon monoxide, mixing of products and gases

5 Ways A Person Can Be Poisoned Bites and Stings Ingestion – eating or drinking Inhalation – breathing Ocular – in the eye Dermal - on the skin

Reasons Children are Poisoned Hungry and Thirsty Unable to read labels Curious and explore Put things in mouth Imitating Adults

Nothing is Child Proof The definition of child resistant is that 80% of 4 year olds cannot open the container within 4 minutes.

What happens to the other 20 percent ?

Teenagers are Poisoned Because… Don’t read directions Drug use / inhalants Suicide – intentional Experimentation

Adults are Poisoned Because… Don’t read or put on eyeglasses Don’t turn on the light Don’t pay enough attention Suicide / intentional

Seniors are Poisoned Because… Seniors take an average of 7-13 different meds Their meds may need to be adjusted Forget to take meds Over or under medicate themselves

To a child, many substances are Dangerous look-a-likes

Dangerous Look – A – Likes Examples: Palmolive dish soap / Sprite bottle Blue Mouthwash, windshield washer fluid, window cleaner / blueberry flavored punch Comet / Parmesan Cheese

How to be Poison Safe When you bring something home THINK Is this a dangerous look-a-like? Is this medicine or pills? Does it have alcohol / gasoline in it? Does it contain insecticides or pesticides? YES? Store it out of sight and out of reach

Activated Charcoal Specially treated charcoal that is made to bind to poisons, so they will not be absorbed by the patient Having Activated Charcoal could save you a trip to ER Always call Poison Control First

Substances Managed with Activated Charcoal Mushrooms Cough / Cold Medicine Acetaminophen Cigarette butts Vitamin (no iron)

Substances Not Managed by A.C. Alcohol Iron Lithium Any caustic, corrosive substance

Common Very Dangerous Poisons Found in Homes Medicines Cleaning products that can cause burns – drain opener, toilet bowl cleaner, oven cleaner and rust remover Windshield washer solution Pesticides Antifreeze Hydrocarbons – furniture polish, lighter fluid, lamp oil, kerosene, turpentine and paint thinner

How to Prevent Unintentional Poisonings Call the Poison Control Center and ask if a substance is poison Keep potential poisons out of reach of children Don’t take medicines in front of children Do not mix products Do not store products in unmarked containers – use original containers

Think Someone Might Be Poisoned? Call the Poison Center First Information is available 24 / Remember 70% of cases involving children can be taken care of at home with the assistance of Poison Control.

Why Call Poison Control Staffed with registered nurses that provide emergency info Can refer you to hospital or doctor Experts and Specialist are available 24 / 7 All calls confidential Will give follow up call

What to do in Case of Poisoning Remain Calm Call the Poison Control Center If they can not be reached call 911 Do not give anything by mouth until you have been advised to do so

Things You Will Need To Know Have the label ready to read to Poison Control if possible Victim’s age and weight Existing health conditions Substance involved and how child contacted it. Ex: inhaled, swallowed, etc If person has vomited Your location Any first aid that may have been given