Utah Poison Control Center’s suggestions to prevent poisonings
Mar 23, 2018, 6:13 PM | Updated: Mar 24, 2018, 1:02 am
SALT LAKE CITY – It’s National Poison Prevention Week. Around the country and here in Utah, poison control officials are raising awareness and highlighting ways to prevent poisonings.
The Utah Poison Control Center says they received more than 40,000 reports of poison exposures in 2017. Sixty percent of exposures involved kids younger than 6 years old, but poisonings can happen at any age.
Many poisonings happen while you’re using products. If you believe someone’s been exposed to a dangerous substance, take advantage of the Poison Control Center’s 24/7 hotline: 1-800-222-1222. Experts can provide accurate and timely medical advice anytime, day or night.
There are several things you can do to make your home safer. UPCC Education Outreach Coordinator Sherrie Pace recommends the following:
- Keep products out of your child’s reach, especially “look alikes” like water and rubbing alcohol or window cleaner and sports drinks
- Keep producers in original containers
- Use child resistant closures
