According to the U.S. Poison Control Center, one poison exposure is reported every 15 seconds and unfortunately the largest population affected is young children.
Poisonings can be accidental or intentional and can be caused by a multitude of items that are often routinely found in the home. Medications and household cleaners are often the culprits; however, illegal drugs and substances could be seen as well.
According to North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora, some key prevention tips to prevent poison exposure are:
Lock them up and away — Keep all medications and toxic products, such as cleaning supplies and detergent pods, in their original packaging in a safe location that children cannot reach or see.
Know the number — Put the nationwide poison control number in your cell phone or place on the refrigerator so that you can easily call and discuss whether further intervention, such as a doctor or ER visit, may be needed. Call 1-800-222-1222 to reach the nationwide poison control number.
Make sure to have the age of the person, the weight of the person (especially if a child) and what substance caused the poisoning available when calling. Of course, if the person is not breathing, will not wake up, or other serious concerns then come directly to the emergency room.
Read the label — Make sure to read the labels on all prescription or over the counter medications, especially when giving to children. Monitor medications such as ADD medications to ensure only the proper amount is being taken.
Do not keep it if you do not need it- Safely dispose of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription or over-the-counter medications.
First Aid for Poisoning
Swallowed poisons — Drink a small amount of water or milk immediately before calling Poison Control if the product swallowed is burning, irritating, or caustic as well as if the person is awake and able to swallow without any difficulty.
Poisonings in the eye — IMMEDIATELY irrigate with room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. After this irrigation, call poison control. If irritation, pain, visual problems, redness, swelling or tearing persist despite irrigation, a visit to the local doctor, ER or eye doctor may be needed.
Poisonings of the skin — Rinse the exposed skin immediately with room temperature water IMMEDIATELY for at least 15 minutes. Remove any clothing that was contaminated. After rinsing, call poison control. If blistering, large or deep burns, pain, redness, or swelling is present despite rinsing, a visit to the local doctor or ER may be needed.
