Poisoning
Poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), occurs when people drink, eat, breathe, inject, or touch enough of a chemical (poison) to cause illness or death. Coming in contact with poisons can cause immediate illness or injury or take hours, days, or even years with long-term exposure. Poisoning that occurs accidentally is defined as “unintentional poisoning” and poisoning that results from a conscious, willful decision (such as homicide or suicide) as “intentional poisoning.”
In the United States in 2005, there were a total of 32,691 poisoning deaths. Of these deaths, 5,833 (18%) were intentional, 23,618 (72%) were unintentional, and 3,240 (10%) were undetermined intent.
In 2006, intentional poisoning caused about 220,924 emergency room visits; 216,358 involved self-harm and 3,982 were assaults. Among these intentional poisoning emergency room visits, 162,096 (75%) resulted in hospitalization or transfer to another facility. During the same year, unintentional poisoning accounted for 703,702 emergency room visits. Almost 25% of these resulted in hospitalization or transfer to another facility. (CDC 2008)
Safety Tips for Children
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Put the poison control number, 1-800-222-1222, on or near every home phone and save it on your cell phone.
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Keep all drugs in medicine cabinets or other childproof cabinets that young children cannot reach.
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Turn on light when giving medicine so that you know you have given the correct amount of the right medicine.
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Avoid taking medicine in front of children because they often copy adults.
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Do not call medicine “candy.”
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Be aware of any legal or illegal drugs that guests bring into your home.
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Do not leave your next dose of medicine on the counter or table where children can reach them.
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Never leave children alone with household product, drugs, or chemicals.
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Do not leave household products out after using them.
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Place poisonous plants in your house and yard out of the reach of children.
Safety Tips for Drugs and Medicines
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Follow directions on label when taking medicine.
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Turn on a light when giving or taking medicine at night so you know you have given the correct amount of the right medicine.
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Never share or sell your prescription drugs.
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Keep medicine in their original bottles or containers.
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Keep medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children.
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Monitor the use of medicine prescribed to children and teenagers.
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Be careful when you dispose drugs that can be abused.
Safety Tips for Household Chemicals and Carbon Monoxide
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Always read the label before using potentially poisonous products.
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Open windows or turn on a fan when using household cleaners such as pesticides and paint.
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Wear protective gloves when using household cleaners, pesticides, or other chemicals.
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Keep chemicals in their original containers or bottles.
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Do not mix household products together, as they may produce a poisonous gas such as bleach and ammonia.
What to Do in Case of Poisoning
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Remain calm.
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Call 911 if a victim is unconscious or not breathing. If the victim is awake and alert, dial 1-800-222-1222. Have the following information ready:
a. the victim’s age and weight
b. the container or bottle of the poison if available
c. the time the poisoning took place
d. the address where the poisoning occurred
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Stay on the phone and follow instructions from the emergency operator or poison control center. |
Injury or illness from poisoning in most cases can be prevented. Keep you and your family safe. Knowledge is power and protection!
Related Links
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