More than half of the two million poisonings reported annually occur in children under the age of six and happen at home, according to a presidential proclamation made during National Poison Prevention Week in March 2010. Parents and any adults responsible for children should make sure that all potentially poisonous products are stored safely, and that they know what to do in the event of a poisoning emergency.
Teaching Children About Poison
Teach your child that poisoning can happen both inside and outside the home, not only from eating or drinking something, but also from inhaling smoke or fumes, from bites or stings, or from something spilling or splashing on the skin or simply coming into contact with the skin. From your child's earliest years, instill in him the habit of always asking an adult before touching, tasting or using any products in or around the house. Explain that many products are fine when used outside the body but are dangerous when ingested. Teach you child to respect medicine, and never refer to any medication, even a child's, as "candy." When children play outside, make sure they know to avoid potentially dangerous insects, and to never eat plants or berries.
Older children can help identify and label potential poisons. Children of all ages learn readily through challenges and games, so reinforce your lessons on the dangers of poisoning by quizzing them. Invent "True or False" questions about household products, or multiple choice questions about what they should do when they encounter a new medication, household product or plant.
Medications
If you have children living with you or even just visiting occasionally, store all medications out of a child's reach and sight. Diet pills, antidepressants, blood pressure medication, decongestants and iron supplements in particular are exceedingly dangerous for children, according to the website MyChildSafety.net. Properly dispose of all expired medications, keeping current ones stored in child-resistant containers.
Household Products
Check the labels of any household products you use to learn which are poisonous. Be especially careful about the storage of bleach, toilet and oven cleaners, dishwasher products and pesticides. Household cleaners can be colorfully packaged and mistaken as juice by a young child. Never store cleaners with food, and teach children to ask you before getting something to eat or drink. Everyday products like alcohol, cigarettes, makeup, craft supplies and even some houseplants can be poisonous, and should always be kept away from children. Remember that you may also be carrying potentially dangerous products in your handbag.
Lead and Carbon Monoxide
Your home itself can be a poisoning danger to a child. If your house was built before 1978, be aware that lead-based paint could present a hazard, according to the website Safe Kids USA. Small children especially are prone to put small objects in their mouths, so do not allow children to be around areas with peeling or chipped paint. If you own your home, make it a priority to fix peeling paint; if you rent a home or apartment that is pre-1978, report problem paint areas to your landlord and ask for them to be fixed as soon as possible.
Carbon monoxide inside a home is a silent killer. Install a CO alarm on every floor of your home and outside every sleeping area. Never use a stove for heating, do not use grills or generators inside the home, and never leave a vehicle engine running in a garage, even with the door open.
In an Emergency
Always have the phone number for the nationwide poison control center--1-800-222-1222--in a prominent place by every phone in your house. This phone number provides expert help around the clock, and can be used anywhere in the US. Follow the poison center operator's instructions exactly and do not make the child vomit unless you are instructed to do so. Be sure that your children's babysitters know what to do in the event of poisoning. Call 911 if your child has stopped breathing or has collapsed.
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