Take steps to prevent accidental poisoning
Over 3.1 million poisonings are responded to each year by the 55 Poison Control Centers across the United States. More than 93.5 percent of these poisonings occur at home.
March is Poison Prevention month with Poison Prevention week being March 15-21. The third week in March each year is nationally recognized to highlight the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them.
The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than 6-years-old. You have to be extra aware in times of stress or If there are when family activities young children in are taking place. your home, always This is a common ask your pharmacist time for poisonings for child-proof containers. to occur. One should
The first step in never refer to medication preventing unintentional as candy and poisoning CUMMINS don't make a game is to keep medications and of taking medication. You common household chemicals should not let children play out of sight and out with a medication container, of reach of children. You even if it is empty. You should store medications, should teach children to ask cleaners and chemicals in an adult before putting anything locked cabinets and on higher into their mouths and shelves. Special locks and since children like to imitate safety latches are available adults, avoid taking medications for cabinets and drawers. in front of them.
Never store chemicals or cleaning products in unmarked containers or food and beverage containers. There are many colorful drinking products on the market and each year thousands of adults and children mistake poisonous chemicals for what they thought were harmless drinks of lemonade or juice. One such chemical, anti-freeze, resembles some of the drinks on the shelves today because of its sweet taste and its lovely color.
There are a number of indoor and outdoor plants that can also be poisonous. Check with your local library for books on poisonous plants or your plant nursery for help with identifying what may be harmful.
Some pharmacies stock poison first aid kits. These kits contain syrup of ipecac, activated charcoal and Epsom salts. You would use these products only after seeking professional advice as to whether to induce vomiting or not. Never treat your child unless you have spoken to a poison control center, your physician or hospital emergency room first.
The number to the Poison Control Center is 1-800-222-1222. For more information, go to www. poisonhelp.hrsa.gov.
James L. Cummins is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi, a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi. Their website is www. wildlifemiss.org. The opinions in this column are Cummins' and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Starkville Daily News or its staff.