During the third full week of March each year, the Health Resources and Services Administration raises awareness of poison prevention nationwide during National Poison Prevention Week. During this week, the HRSA highlights the dangers of poisonings and encourages community involvement in poisoning prevention.
According to the New Jersey Poison Center, between two and four million poisonings occur in the United States each year. Of those poisonings, about ninety percent take place in the home, most commonly in kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Poison Prevention Tips
The HRSA lists eight key areas of importance when trying to prevent poisonings in the home.
Medicine
Medications and other poisonous substances should be kept locked and out of reach of children and elderly adults. To prevent accidental ingestion, all medicines should be kept in their original containers, and properly labeled and stored. When taking more than one medication at a time, individuals should be aware of any potential drug interactions. A patient may check with their health care provider, pharmacist, or call the toll-free Poison Helpline (1-800-222-1222). The Poison Helpline connects to an individual’s local poison help center and helps callers find out more about possible drug interactions.
Carbon Monoxide
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attributes the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless poisonous gas, which is virtually undetectable by human senses alone. For this reason, a functioning carbon monoxide alarm should be installed at every level of a home, particularly near bedrooms and close to furnaces.
Household Products
Household cleaners and disinfectants pose a particular threat to human health. Individuals should always follow a product’s directions for use and keep them safely stored away when not in use. Bleach is particularly hazardous and should be mixed with no substance other than water. Food should also never be washed with bleach, as ingesting bleach could lead to chlorine poisoning. As with medication, household products should always be stored in their original containers and locked away from children.
Chemicals
Dangerous chemicals should always be locked away and out of reach of children. They should also be kept in their original containers as not to be mistaken for other substances. Chemicals such as antifreeze are notably hazardous as they interfere with kidney, lung, brain, and nervous system function. Organ damage can occur 24 to 72 hours after the ingestion of antifreeze. Further, household chemicals should never be mixed together. Doing so may result in creating a dangerous gas.
Art and School Supplies
Children’s school supplies and art products may contain dangerous chemicals if not otherwise labeled. Individuals should always check the labels on products to ensure their safe and correct use. School supplies and art products should never be ingested. After use, individuals should clean any areas of their bodies that have made contact with the products, and wipe down any furniture and equipment. These products should always be kept in their original containers and properly labeled.
Food
Individuals should always wash produce under running water before eating it, with the exception of meat, poultry, and eggs. Chemical cleaning products should never be used to wash food or its packaging. Individuals preparing a meal should wash their hands before, during, and after the preparation. Food should always be stored at proper temperatures and should not be left unrefrigerated at temperatures above 40 degrees F (5 degrees C). For more information on how to properly store food, visit the FDA’s website at www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/are-you-storing-food-safely. Additionally, meals should be served on clean dishware and utensils.
Insects and Animals
Individuals should be aware of what dangerous or poisonous animals live in the area, paying particular attention to snakes. If an area is known to be the home of a poisonous snake or insect, proper clothing and footwear should be worn in outdoor areas to prevent a dangerous attack. Bug repellants may also be poisonous to humans, particularly if they contain DEET, which can be poisonous in large quantities. Individuals should always check the labels of insect repellents for any dangerous chemicals.
Plants, Mushrooms, and Berries
Individuals should be aware of any plants, mushrooms, and berries that are poisonous in the area and learn to identify them. Local poison control centers educate residents on potential poisonous threats in their area.
Call Poison Control
If an individual suspects they or a loved one has been poisoned, it is imperative that they call their local poison control center immediately. For more information on Florida’s Poison Control Centers visit floridapoisoncontrol.org. For emergency assistance, call 9-1-1 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Speak to A Product Liability Lawyer
When you use a product of any kind, you rightfully expect it to work safely. Unfortunately, poorly designed and manufactured products cause countless injuries every day. Any goods used or consumed by individuals are required by law to be safe and hazard-free. If you have suffered as a result of a defective or dangerous product, contact Panter, Panter & Sampedro today at 305-662-6178.
Sources:
https://www.njpies.org/poison-related-facts/
https://www.cdc.gov/pictureofamerica/pdfs/picture_of_america_poisoning.pdf
https://panterlaw.com/2022/03/11/prevent-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/
https://www.healthline.com/health/antifreeze-poisoning
https://floridapoisoncontrol.org/
https://panterlaw.com/product-liability/
