Poisoning

Ordinary household products and medications can be deadly if left within a child's reach. Each year, more than 100 children ages 14 years and under die as a result of unintentional poisoning, and more than 91,000 children are treated in hospital Emergency Rooms for nonfatal poisonings. In 2005, nearly 63,000 drug poisonings happened to children less than 5 years of age.

Ordinary household products and medications can be deadly if left within a child's reach. Each year, more than 100 children ages 14 years and under die as a result of unintentional poisoning, and more than 91,000 children are treated in hospital Emergency Rooms for nonfatal poisonings. In 2005, nearly 63,000 drug poisonings happened to children less than 5 years of age.

Prevention

The following tips are basic safety concepts that every family should follow:

• Keep potential poisons locked out of sight, out of reach and out of mind.
• Never transfer a drug or substance from its original labeled container to an alternate container.
• Avoid taking medications in front of children because kids tend to mimic adult actions.
• Never describe medicine as candy or food.
• Safely dispose of all unused and no longer needed medications.
• Always use child-resistant closures on medication bottles.
• Be vigilant when entertaining overnight house guests who may bring medications into the home, especially grandparents.

 You can learn more by visiting the NATIONAL CAPITAL POISON CENTER.

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