Prevent Poisoning
Edited by Nerissa Avisado, Robbi, Lynn
Prevent poisoning
Imagine an uneventful day turning suddenly momentous as a child unexpectedly vomits after playing, and most probably ingesting, some household disinfectants or medicines. This scenario happens with high frequency based on records of poison control centers. In the US, these centers get over 3.6 million calls a year for potential exposures to dangerous chemicals. That is roughly three to four calls every eight seconds. Take note that about 80 percent of these poison exposures involve young kids aged one to four.
What is a poison?
A poison is any product or substance that, when introduced into the system of a living thing, like humans and pets, can cause injuries, harm or even death. In the context of biology, these refer to substances that can cause disturbances to the metabolic or physiological processes of the organisms, and/or their molecular reactions when a certain quantity is absorbed into their system.
Living in a chemical-laden home
Home is supposed to be haven for you and your children. It is supposed to be a safe environment, yet most of these poison exposures happen right at home. Do you know what chemicals are in your home that you have come to use through the years, hardly noticing that these are potential sources of risks? Here is a list of the most common intoxicating substances in homes:
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Consciously preventing poisoning: What you can do
The good news is you can prevent poisoning, but only if you and other parents/caregivers will consciously make an effort to secure those toxic chemicals. It doesn't take much to prevent poisoning accidents:
- 1This is read too often, to the extent of ignoring it. It is a reminder for your kids' safety and must not therefore be taken for granted. Follow the warning: Keep out of reach of children. How do you do that? Put all this stuff in a locked cabinet inaccessible to kids and pets.Keep out of reach of children.
- 2With every product you buy, especially the poisonous ones, have literature and instructions that serve to guide users. It is important to read these labels first before use. Follow the directions to the letter.Use products properly.
- 3Buy those products that have child-resistant packaging or those that passed certain standards such as the "design for the environment (DFE)" label on those products you buy.Choose products wisely.
- 4Do not transfer toxic substances or drugs in other containers, especially food or drink containers/bottles. This can increase the likelihood of a poison accident.Keep the products in their original containers.
- 5Before cleaning with disinfectants and cleaners, or painting, make sure to remove children and their toys, bottles and pacifiers. Do not let the kids into the room until it is already safe.Clear out stuff before using any chemical.
- 6This is particularly important when you have a garage that is connected to the house.Install a working carbon monoxide or fume detector.
- 7There are certain chemicals that can explode or result to a poisonous blend. An example is mixing bleach and ammonia. So, don't "play scientist" and don't try to mix powerful substances.Mixing chemical products is a big no-no.
- 8Wear protective gears and clothing such as gloves, long pants, shirts with long sleeves, socks, and shoes, especially when you spray insecticides, pesticides or other toxic chemicals.Protect yourself.
- 9Make sure to turn on an electric fan and open the Windows before using potentially harmful chemical products such as cleaners and bleach.Get the space ventilated.
- 10Do not self-medicate, misuse or abuse prescription, OTC (over-the-counter) medications, and regulated drugs.Use prescribed medicines according to the right dosage.
- 11Make sure to turn on the light when you administer medicines or you take it yourself at night. This will ensure that you are using the right medicine in the right dosage.Do not take medicines without reading the label.
- 12Some parents call medicines "candy" to make the kids take them. Find another way to make them take their meds, but do not call them "candy" or they may sneakily take it without your knowledge.Not all candies are good.
- 13Try to identify which plants can do you and your kids harm. Weed them out. Teach older kids about these poisonous plants to educate them.Keep your lawn free from poisonous plants.
Tips and Warnings
- 1If you leave someone in your house to babysit your kids, train them to stay calm by giving out specific instructions and numbers to call. Make sure you have the most important emergency numbers posted right where they are visible.Take note of emergency numbers. During a poisoning accident, it is important not to get frantic.
- 2Find out from your local government how these may be disposed of safely.Practice proper disposal of drug and toxic substances. Dispose of unused and expired drugs and household chemicals.
- 3Do not patronize these products so that they may be removed from the market.Be warned against use of illegal pesticides. There are banned pesticides that are exported to developing countries.
- 4Call the emergency numbers and be ready with information such as:Be ready for an emergency. When an accident happens, stay calm.
- The age and weight of the victim
- The name and nature of the poison
- The time of poisoning
- Your location for emergency evacuation if necessary
- Stay on the phone and listen intently to the instructions from the poison control center or emergency operator.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
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Categories : Safety
Recent edits by: Robbi, Nerissa Avisado