The Illinois Poison Center estimates they will answer more than 100,000 calls in 2008 on household products, herbal products, medications, overdoses, adverse reactions, chemical spills and other poisonings. In preparation of Poison Control Week from March 18-24, now is the time to make sure that your home is safe from possible accidental poisonings.
Tips to make a safer home from poisons:
1. Always return medications/pesticides/ cleaning products to a locked, safe storage area immediately after use.
2. Never call medicine “candy.”
3. Never apply or take medicine without reading the label first.
4. Store all medications and cleaning products in their original, labeled, child-resistant containers.
5. Do not transfer medicine, pesticides or cleaning products into a plastic bag or any unlabeled container.
6. Destroy old or unused medications by flushing them down the toilet; rinse out containers before throwing them away.
7. Do not store cleaning products and food in the same cabinet.
8. Include the Poison Center phone number (1-800-222-1222) in the essential emergency phone list in the child’s home, daycare center or relative’s home.
9. Identify all plants in and around the home by common and botanical names.
10. Tell children to keep away from any mushrooms, plants and berries growing outside.
“It is always suggested to immediately call the Illinois Poison Center whenever there is a possibility that a poisonous substance has been ingested,” said Karen Marzluf, Emergency Department Director at Saint Anthony's Hospital.
“If your child has ingested something and appears to be in trauma, go to an emergency room as soon as possible.”
Gardeners and homeowners should also use caution when choosing plants during the spring planting season. Many plants, trees and shrubs can be harmful, causing skin rash or irritation. Some of the plants that can be toxic include Lily-of-the-Valley, azalea, Amaryllis, morning glory and buckeye. It is important to know exactly what you are planning and to label each plant.
Fertilizers can irritate the skin and stomach. After using fertilizer, keep children and adults off of the lawn for at least two days or until it rains. Pesticides are also dangerous and are likely to be more toxic than lawn fertilizers. Always store lawn chemicals in their original containers with complete labels showing and wear protective clothing and eye wear when applying any type of lawn product.
To safeguard against products in the home such as bleaches, disinfectants, floor cleaners, detergents and glass cleaners, be sure to store all products high and out of a child’s reach. Never leave a cleaning product open and unattended.
During spring, when pollen and mold begin to fill the air and cause allergic reactions, people use medicines to help control allergies. If misused, these antihistamines can produce harmful side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, dilated pupils and an accelerated heartbeat. An overdose may cause seizures and hallucinations. Always read the labels and follow the directions, taking the recommended dosage.
According to the Illinois Poison Center, depending on the type of poisoning, certain steps need to be taken for the safety of a child or adult:
POISON IN THE MOUTH
Do not make the person vomit or give the victim something to eat or drink unless the poison center tells you to. You may be instructed to give the victim sips of water or milk.
CAUTION: Some out-of-date first-aid charts may contain incorrect treatment information. DO NOT give raw eggs, salt, vinegar or citrus fruit juices to induce vomiting or to neutralize the poison. These treatments are not only ineffective, but may be extremely dangerous.
POISON ON THE SKIN
Take off clothes that have poison on them. Wash these clothes separately.
Rinse the skin very well with water. Then wash the skin gently with soap and water.
POISON IN THE EYE
Remove contact lenses if worn.
Rinse the eyes with water for 15 minutes. Open and close the eyes while rinsing.
POISON IN THE AIR
Open windows and doors to let in fresh air.
Leave the area and move to a place where you can breathe fresh air.
Help others leave the area, but be careful not to breathe the poison yourself.
To contact the Illinois Poison Center, please call 1-800-222-1222. Saint Anthony’s Emergency Department may be contacted by calling 618/474-4683.