Poison Safety
Prevent Accidental Poisoning

• Protect Your Child
• Should I Be Concerned?
• The Hard Facts
• Tell Me More
• How Can I Protect My Child?
• What Are The Specific Risks Of Some Common Products?
• Find a Poison Control Center Nearest to You

Protect Your Child

You are the first line of defense in protecting your inquisitive child from accidental poisoning. Your allies in this struggle are many; they include safety locks for cabinets, manufacturer-installed safety caps and the Child Resistant Household Safety Caps by Kiddopotamus.

Should I Be Concerned?

Yes. Children are more at risk from common household chemicals because they are smaller, they have faster metabolic rates and their bodies are less able to process toxic materials that get into their systems.

The Hard Facts

• More than one million unintentional poisonings of young children (5 and under) reported to U. S. Poison Control Centers in 1998.
• More than 240,000 children are reported taken to Emergency Rooms each year due to poisoning from household chemicals.
• More than 35 children die each year from accidental poisonings in the house.

Tell Me More

• More than 90% of accidental poisonings occur in the home.
• Most calls to poison centers happen in the evening hours - between 4 PM and 10 PM.
• The greatest risk of accidental poisoning occurs in years 1 through 5; the greatest vulnerability is during ages 1 to 2.

How Can I Protect My Child?

• Place common but harmful household chemicals and medicines out reach and out of sight of children; preferably behind locked cabinet doors. If locks aren't available use "child-proofing" latching systems, but be aware that by 2 years old many toddlers can figure out simple systems, so a high shelf is still best. Be aware, though, that children learn to climb at an early age.
• When using cleaning agents keep them in your sight and out of your child's reach.
• When the doorbell or phone rings, take a moment to move the chemicals to a counter top or shelf out of reach before answering.
• Don't take medicine or use mouthwash in front of your children. They love to mimic mommy and daddy. Don't refer to medicine as candy - no matter what it tastes like, administering medicine is serious business and the quantity and timing should be controlled by you.
• Keep all products in original packaging - DO NOT put dangerous products in other packaging, especially not in clear unmarked containers.

You can reach the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

What Are The Specific Risks Of Some Common Products?

1. Antifreeze - Antifreeze is extremely toxic and can cause kidney damage with just a few sips. It is an inviting color and is sweet, adding to the risk. Consider buying only what you need and discard any excess. If you decide to keep antifreeze in your garage or home, store it in a locked cabinet.

2. Windshield Washer Fluid - Most wiper fluids contain a chemical that is extremely harmful. It can cause blindness soon after ingestion. Windshield wiper fluid should be in a locked cabinet. If you do not have such a place, then consider buying what you need for your car and discarding the rest. If you decide to store it around the garage or house, locke it up.

3. Alcohol - Small amounts of alcohol are very dangerous for your children. They can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels leaving your child vulnerable to seizures, coma and possibly death. If your child drinks any alcohol, call your Poison Control Center or Emergency Facility at once.

4. Cleaning Agents - Cleaning agents vary considerably in their toxicity and the types and degree of damage they cause. Some, like simple detergent can be fairly innocuous while others are caustic and will burn your child's mouth and throat. If your child comes into contact with a caustic agent call the Poison Control Center or Emergency Care Facility immediately. DO NOT induce vomiting unless specifically advised to do so.

5. Bleach - Poison Control Centers receive about 20,000 calls per year about children who have swallowed bleach. You should call a Poison Control Center or a local emergency number immediately if your child swallows bleach. Please note that bleach mixed with ammonia can be fatal. Do not use bleach to clean toilet bowls.

6. Mouthwash - Some brands of mouthwash contain up to 20% alcohol. Therefore, you should look for and use mouthwash that has no alcohol. As with alcohol, small amounts of mouthwash can lead to a drop in your child's blood sugar and the attendant risks mentioned above. Call your Poison Control Center or Emergency Facility immediately if a child of 5 or under swallows mouthwash with alcohol. Mouthwash should not be used with children under 6.

7. Shampoo - Swallowing shampoo can lead to miserable symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. If your child experiences these symptoms, call your doctor or Poison Control Center for advice.

You can reach the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.