Safe In 60: Common Poisons In Your Home And How To Keep Your Kids Safe

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – March 21-27 is National Poison Prevention Week. It is a good time for a refresher on the most common types of household items that can be dangerous to the youngsters in our home.

Nine out of 10 unintentional child poisonings happen in the home. Children under the age of 6 make up about 60% of poison exposures here in Utah.

If you’re a parent, you know everything goes straight to their mouth when your children are young.

Top 3 reasons people call poison control for toddlers

1. Cosmetics or personal care items: Items like deodorant, hair products, nail products and even toothpaste can be hazardous if ingested. Many of us use these items daily and don’t think of them as something our young children may get into, which is why it is number one on the list.
2. Household cleaners: These are some of the more obvious dangerous items we all have in our homes. Things like dish soap and other cleaning products in your bathroom, kitchen or laundry room.
3. Pain relievers: Most households have some type of pain reliever. Although most medications have child-proof packaging, some kids can still get in them.

Steps to lower chance of unintentional poisoning

1. Make sure you close all medicines and household tightly and store them out of reach of children.
2. Never leave cleaners unattended, even for a few seconds. Consider putting safety latches on cabinet doors and drawers.
3. Never call medicine “candy” and avoid taking them in front of children when possible.
4. Clean out your medicine cabinet often and dispose of any medicine that is expired or no longer needed.

If you are concerned about possible poisoning, you can call the 24-hour Poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. You will be connected to a trained nurse, pharmacist or doctor. Of course, if the victim has difficulty, stops breathing, collapses or has a seizure, call 911 immediately.

For more information and ideas of how to promote poison prevention awareness in your home, visit http://poisoncontrol.utah.edu/publiced/events.php