Poisoning is a common cause of childhood injury, especially among children 6 years old and younger. A poisoning can be caused by any substance that causes a toxic effect or bodily harm, such as medicines, liquid nicotine, or household products.
As part of National Poison Prevention Week 2017, March 19-25, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) offers the following safety tips to prevent a poisoning.
* Store medicines, liquid nicotine, cleaning and laundry products (including detergent packets), paints/varnishes and pesticides in their original packaging in locked cabinets or containers, out of sight and reach of children.
* Safety latches that automatically lock when you close a cabinet door can help keep children away from dangerous products, but there is always a chance the device will fail. Never leave children alone with household products.
* Purchase and keep all medicines in containers with safety caps and keep out of reach of children. Discard unused medication. Note that safety caps are designed to be child resistant but are not fully childproof.
* Never refer to medicine as “candy” or another appealing name.
* Check the label each time you give a child medicine to ensure proper dosage. For liquid medicines, use the dosing device that came with the medicine. Never use a kitchen spoon.
* When taking medicines, do not put the next dose on the counter or table where children can reach them.
* If you use an e-cigarette, only buy liquid nicotine refills that use child resistant packaging, and keep refills locked up out of children’s reach.
* Put the Poison Control number, 1-800-222-1222, on or near every home telephone and cell phone for 24 hours a day, seven days a week access.
To learn more about how to prevent unintentional poisonings, contact the OSDH Injury Prevention Service at (405) 271-3430 or visit http://poison.health.ok.gov. For more information about the dangers of liquid nicotine, contact the OSDH Center for the Advancement of Wellness at 405-271-3619.
Additional information on poison prevention can be found at www.oklahomapoison.org.
