How to keep kids safe from poisons

23 March 2011 No Comments

By Toronto Star Staff Writer

Children under six are the most at-risk for accidental poisonings.

That’s something health organizations, including Health Canada, are trying to put top of mind during National Poison Prevention Week.

“Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, are involved in two-thirds of unintentional poisonings in children under 14,” says Pamela Fuselli, Executive Director of Safe Kids Canada, “but household cleaners, garden chemicals, personal care products, plants and art supplies are other common causes of poisoning.”

Most poisonings in young children are unintentional and can be cut back significantly through increased awareness for all caregivers, including parents, grandparents and babysitters.

A common scenario around holidays, for example, is that household guests who aren’t accustomed to child-proofing may leave medications on bedside tables or bathroom counters.

Here are some tips for keeping hazardous substances safely out of reach of young children:

• Keep all medications and potential poisons out of reach. These should be kept in their original containers and locked in a cabinet or box away from curious youngsters.

• Put handy the phone number of your local poison control centre. Tack up the number by your home phone and enter it into your cell phone and home phone contact lists.

• Follow directions on product labels. Many poisonings can be prevented simply by paying attention to advice on the packaging. Ensure hazardous substances are put away safely, and keeping medicines and cleaners out of reach of young children.

• Call your nearest poison control centre or 911 if you think your child has been poisoned. More than 70 per cent of cases can be treated successfully at home.

Originally published on parentcentral.ca March 23, 2011