Accidental Poisonings and Children

More than half of all cases reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers involve children under the age of 6. And sadly, the majority of these accidental poisonings happen at home. Most people simply do not know enough to protect themselves and their children from poisonings that can lead to illness, brain damage, and even death.

What Are Poisons?
A poison is any substance that can harm your body. There are many different types of poisons including:

Medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter
Cleaning products such as drain opener, toilet bowl cleaner, oven cleaner, and detergent
Car products such as antifreeze, windshield washer solution, and gasoline
Fluids that contain hydrocarbons such as furniture polish, lighter fluid, lamp oil, kerosene, turpentine and paint thinner
Bathroom products like aftershave, perfume, and mouthwash
Flaking paint that may contain asbestos
Pesticides including insect or rodent killer and moth balls
Miniature batteries like those used in cameras and watches

How to Keep Children Safe
Many of these poisons are necessary items. But you leave them where children can find them -- and possibly ingest them -- they can be quite deadly. If you have children in the house, pay special attention to how you store toxic substances.

Every year, there are thousands of cases of children poisoning themselves by taking medications that don't belong to them. Often times, children think that pills are candy, or they decide to use the caplets as part of a game, such as a tea party. For this reason, it is vital that you keep medications out of the reach of children. You should always store medicines in childproof cabinets. Use child-resistant caps and keep pills in the original container, with lids tightly closed. Make an effort not to take pills in front of your children, and NEVER refer to them as candy, even when joking. Lastly, if you drop a pill on the ground, make sure that you find it immediately.

Most people keep many other toxic substances in their homes. All cleaning products should be kept in their original containers, and stored where children can't get at them. Thoroughly check your garage for toxic chemicals such as antifreeze, windshield washer solution, and gasoline. It is wise to keep all of these poisons in a locked cabinet, or at the very least in a cabinet that is up high and difficult to reach.

In addition to these poisonous substances, there are often many toxins that exist in the environment of a home. Place carbon monoxide and smoke detectors near the bedrooms in your house to be sure that no one suffers from gas poisoning. If you live in an older home, have all lead-based paint removed. Many children have gotten lead-poisoning by licking the wall. Lastly, check your yard for poisonous plants and have them removed.

If your Child is Poisoned
As a precaution, you should keep the telephone number of the nearest poison control center on or near your telephone. If you live in the United States, call (800) 222-1222, and your call will be routed to the poison control center in your area. In the event of a possible poisoning, don't waste any time. Call the poison control center and the child's doctor immediately. Know your child's weight, and leave the information with all babysitters. The poison control center will ask you for this information, and also for any details you may have regarding the poison