Preventing Accidental Poisoning

This week is National Poison Prevention Week. While any demographic can be harmed by poisoning and it is a threat that can occur almost anywhere with the vast majority of poisonings occuring in the home. Those most susceptible to it are children, older adults, and pets.

“A poison is anything that can make you sick or kill you if you eat it, drink it, breathe it, or get it on your skin or in your eyes," said Dr. Joan Facelle, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. "Most consumer products are safe if label directions are followed, but some can be poisonous if used incorrectly.  Be safe and keep all poisons—including medicines, vitamins, cosmetics, household cleaners and chemicals, plants and other poisonous substances—out of the reach of children. It is very important to post the Poison Control Center telephone number (800-222-1222) on all telephones in your home in case of an emergency,”

The Rockland County Department of Health encourages the following steps in order to either prevent poisonings or deal with them quickly if they occur:

Prevent poisonings:

• Keep all poisons in a cabinet out of reach, and use cabinet safety locks.
• Never store food products with non-food items.
• Store products in original containers. Make sure bottles are labeled. Never store poisons in a food or  beverage container.
• Use child-resistant containers whenever possible. Be sure they are closed properly.
• Teach young children to always ask an adult before eating, drinking or touching anything.
• Read the label and follow directions for medicines and cleaning products.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in sleeping areas.
• Never call medicine candy. Children should know the difference.
• Keep medicines in a locked cabinet out of reach.
• Do not take medicine in front of children. Children often imitate adults.
• Teach children not to take medicine unless given to them by an adult they trust.
• Make sure to read labels carefully before giving or taking any medicine.
• Always close the container as soon as you have finished using it.  It is important to correctly close the child-resistant packaging, and put it away in a place where children can't reach it.
• Unused, unneeded or expired medicine should be taken out of their original containers and thrown in the trash. Medicine should not flushed down the toilet or drains unless the accompanying patient information specifically instructs that it is safe to do.

Be safe about medicines: Leave the lights on and wear your glasses when giving or taking medicine to make sure it’s the right medicine and the right dose.

Be safe about plants:  Choose non-poisonous plants for your home.  For a list of poisonous and non-poisonous plants, call Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Horticulture Diagnostic Lab at (845) 429-7085 Ext. 3, or visit their website at www.rocklandcce.org.

• Label all plants, and keep them up high and out of the reach of children and pets.

 Some signs that a poisoning may have happened:

• an open container is nearby
• pills, berries, etc. in the mouth
• strange odor on the breath
• burns around the mouth
• upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting
• dizziness or unconsciousness

 What to do if a poisoning occurs:    

• Calmly and quickly call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
• Certified pharmacists and nurses are available for advice and assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even on holidays and weekends. Calls are free and confidential. Translators are available in 150 languages through the language line.

 When you call the Poison Control Center, be ready to answer these questions:

• Your name and the name of the victim
• The telephone number you are calling from
• The name of product or substance involved
• The amount involved
• The age and weight of the victim
• How long ago the poisoning happened
• The victim's symptoms
• Follow their instructions. Ask questions if you do not understand.

For additional information please call the Injury Prevention Program at the Rockland County Department of Health at (845) 364-3865, or visit www.poisonprevention.org.