The Henry and Stark County Health Department is highlighting National Poison Prevention Week from March 15-21, urging families to focus on safety in their homes. Over two million poisonings are reported each year, with 90% occurring at home and over half involving children under six. The department recommends simple steps like securely closing child-resistant packaging, keeping chemicals and medicines out of reach, and always checking dosages in good lighting. Households are reminded to store items such as personal care products, cleaning agents, and adult-strength supplements safely. Immediate help is available via the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
“By educating local residents about preventative steps in the home and in their lives, we believe we all can make serious progress in keeping our families safe,” states Heather Aldred, RN, Health Department Maternal and Child Health Services Supervisor. “But it is vital that people arm themselves with basic information on poison prevention in the home, such as keeping chemicals out of reach of children and carefully reading the labels and dosages on all products.”
In addition to the poison prevention tips above, parents and caregivers should follow these safety tips to reduce the risk of unintentional poisonings.
- Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after each use or, if available, choose child-resistant unit packaging, which does not need to be re-secured.
- Call (800) 222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning.
- Do not put decorative lamps and candles that contain lamp oil where children can reach them. Lamp oil can be very toxic if ingested by young children.
- Always turn the light on when giving or taking medicine so you can see what you are taking. Check the dosage every time.
- Avoid taking medicine in front of children.
More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the Nation’s poison centers. Among the potentially toxic household products referenced in calls to the poison control centers were:
- Personal care products, including baby oil and mouthwash containing ethanol;
- Cleaning substances, including drain openers and over cleaners;
- Over-the-counter pain relievers – including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin – and cough and cold medicines;
- Hydrocarbons, such as lamp oil and furniture polish; and
- Adult-strength vitamins and supplements containing iron.