 Poison
Curiosity is a natural stage of children’s development, but it also puts the child at greater risk of unintentional poisoning. Although household cleaners are a frequent cause of poisoning, children can also be fatally poisoned by iron, alcohol, and carbon monoxide. In Maricopa County, between 1998 and 2002, there were 5 deaths and 104 near fatal poisonings in children ages 0 to 14. The highest age range was 1 to 4 years. By proper prevention efforts, the majority of these poisonings could be avoided.
Poison Dangers In and Around the Home
- Medicines and vitamins both for the child and other family members
- Cleaning solutions
- Certain plants
- Lead-based paint used in homes built before 1978
- Products put in something other than its original container
- Alcohol
- Mixing different cleaning products together
- Make-up, hair spray, cologne, and other personal products
Safety Tips for Parents
- Store all household products and medications locked out of sight and out of the reach of children.
- Keep all products in original containers.
- Know which plants in and around your home are poisonous, and either remove them or make them inaccessible to children.
- Throw away old medicines and other potential poisons.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- If your home was built before 1978, have it tested for lead-based paint.
- Keep activated charcoal on hand, and use it only at the advice of a poison control center or physician.
- Teach grandparents and relatives to take precautions when children are visiting their homes.
What Parents Should Teach Kids
- Never put leaves, stems, bark, seeds, nuts, or berries from any plant into their mouth.
- Never refer to medicine or vitamins as "candy".
If you suspect a poisoning:
Call the toll-free poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
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Links
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| If you suspect poisoning: |
| Call the toll-free poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222 |
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Contact Safe Kids Coalition of Maricopa County:
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