Poison Prevention Week: March 16-22
Most poisonings occur in the home
Poison Control Centers receive more than 2 million accidental poisoning calls each year. More than 90 percent of non-fatal poisonings occur in the home and most involve children, according to the Poison Control Centers.
* To protect your children, choose child-resistant packaging wherever possible and close containers tightly after every use. Store hazardous products in a safe place and out of children's reach.
These include personal care products, such as baby oil and mouthwash; cleaning substances, including drain and oven cleaners; over-the-counter pain relievers, including ibuprofen and aspirin; and cough and cold medicines. Adult-strength vitamins and supplements containing iron are dangerous to kids. Hydrocarbons, such as lamp oil and furniture polish, pose a danger.
* Adults may poison themselves by taking prescription or over-the-counter medications improperly. Always read directions carefully and follow them exactly.
* Wear protective clothing when spraying pesticides or other chemicals. Pesticides can be absorbed through the skin and are very poisonous. Stay away from areas that have recently been sprayed.
* Keep all products in their original containers. Never sniff a product to discover what's inside.
* Lead poisoning is well known, but heavy metals are poisonous too. Mercury, thallium, arsenic, and iron (tablets) should be handled with caution.
Food poisoning is common. Always use safe food-handling procedures.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
