Poisoning: Prevention
- Remember to keep drugs and chemicals locked up or out of reach
of children. Think about where you keep drain cleaners,
furniture polish, drugs, and insecticides. These are the most
common dangerous poisons.
- Keep alcoholic beverages also out of a child's reach.
Alcoholic beverages have caused serious poisonings. As little
as 3 ounces of hard liquor can kill a 2-year-old child.
Remember that most mouthwashes contain 15% to 25%.
- Whenever you or your child is prescribed a new drug, remember
to keep the safety cap on and make sure that you are giving
the right dose.
- Don't leave drugs on countertops, especially when you are
called away to the door or telephone.
- Don't leave drugs in a purse because children often search
them for candy or gum. When you have guests, keep purses out
of reach of children.
- Always read the label before giving any medicine. Be sure it's
the right drug and that you are giving the correct dosage.
Don't give medicines in the dark.
- Know the names of all your houseplants and remove any (for
example, Dieffenbachia) that could cause sickness other than
vomiting or diarrhea. Teach your child never to put leaves,
stems, seeds, or berries from any plant into her mouth without
your permission.
- Don't store any chemicals in soft drink bottles. Don't put
gasoline into any type of food or beverage container.
- Keep the telephone number of the Poison Control Center handy.
- Remember that kids often get into poisons simply to satisfy
their curiosity. Telling a young child not to put something in
their mouth is not enough to prevent poisoning. To prevent
poisonings, parents have to consistently supervise where young
children are and what they are doing.
Written by B.D. Schmitt, MD, author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Published by
RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2004-03-16
Last reviewed: 2008-06-09
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
