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National Poison Prevention Week March 14-20, 2010
6:52pm - Mar 4, 2010
National Poison Prevention Week: March 14-20, 2010.

A 10-month old is found crying in a puddle of laundry detergent, having rubbed his eyes and put his hands into his mouth...

A 2 year-old discovers some Nicorette gum in her dad's coat pocket and has chewed a couple of pieces...

A 14-month old ate a tablet of grandpa's diabetes medication momentarily left out on the breakfast table...


These scenarios and others play out every day in homes across the country, but they could have been prevented.

 

National Poison Prevention Week is March 14-20, 2010.
National Poison Prevention Week this year is aimed at protecting children with the theme, "Out of Reach and Out of Sight".

Unintentional poisonings are a leading cause of injury in Canada, and children under the age of six years are at particular risk.


Here are a few things you can do to prevent unintentional poisoning in the home:


  • Keep products in their original, labeled containers (preferably child-resistant containers)
  • Return medicines and household products to safe storage immediately after use
  • Keep in locked cabinets
  • Do not store other products in food or beverage containers
  • Never leave children alone with household products
  • Never refer to medicine as “candy”
  • Keep purses and diaper bags out of children’s reach and be aware of visitor’s purses and bags
  • Always have the number for your local Poison Control Centre handy

Contact your local Poison Control Centre or visit their websites for other tips and resources on poison prevention.

Click here to go to a list of Canadian Poison Control Centres.


Poisonings can occur in many different ways at any time to anyone, whether they are young or old. Preventing poisoning is an every-day activity.

Despite our best efforts, however, sometimes poisonings happen. Canadians are reminded that should an unintentional poisoning occur, immediately contact the nearest Poison Control Centre or call 911.


Join your local Poison Control Centres and the Canadian Association of Poison Control Centres, along with Health Canada and Safe Kids Canada, in promoting poison prevention. 


News releases (scheduled for March 15, 2010):

Health Canada: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/minist/messages/index-eng.php

Safe Kids Canada: http://www.safekidscanada.ca/safekidsCanada/

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Winter Holiday Hazards
1:55pm - Dec 14, 2009
Each season has special hazards and winter holidays are no exception. With the entertaining, gifts and decorations during the holidays, homes can be filled with bright and interesting things. Some can be toxic. Here are a few holiday hazards. If you suspect these substances have poisoned someone, call your local Poison Control Centre.  

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcohol drinks can cause severe toxicity to a child. Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion and coma, vomiting and low blood sugar, especially in infants and young children.
CANDLES: Wax and synthetic candles have a low order of toxicity. Ingestion may result in diarrhea.  
DISC BATTERIES: Button batteries often come with watches, cameras and toys. If swallowed these may lodge in the esophagus or airway and can be an emergency. An initial x-ray is needed to ensure the battery has passed into the stomach. If it passes into the stomach, the stool will need to be checked until the battery passes.
GLOW STICKS: Glow sticks have a low order of toxicity. Biting into these can result in mild oral irritation. A splash in the eye can cause immediate stinging and burning sensation. This generally does not result in burns to the eye.
ICICLES and TINSEL: These are made of plastic with a nontoxic aluminum colouring. Ingestion of a large amount could be a choking hazard.  
LAMP OIL: Lamp oil is attractive to children because of its colour and fragrance. Ingestion of a small amount can be serious and lead to coughing, difficulty breathing and chemical pneumonia.
MEAT THERMOMETER: These contain a small amount of ethanol and a red dye. Ingestion of the liquid will not cause toxicity. If the thermometer breaks in the meat, remove that section of meat and any glass particles prior to serving.
PLANTS:
• Christmas cactus: This plant is nontoxic. Ingestion may cause minor abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea in young children.
• Holly: Ingestion of large amounts of leaves or berries can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Ingestion of a few berries may cause only mild symptoms.  
• Poinsettia: The irritant sap may cause mouth, skin or eye irritation. Serious toxicity is unlikely from ingestion of 1 or 2 leaves but oral irritation, nausea and vomiting may occur.  
ROAD SALT: Commonly contains sodium chloride. Ingestion of less than one teaspoonful can cause vomiting but is unlikely to result in serious toxicity. Larger amounts can lead to severe vomiting, seizures and death.  
SNOW SCENE GLOBES: Ingestion of the “snow” particles is nontoxic. The liquid is usually water, however, some globes contain toxic ethylene glycol. Contact your poison control centre if the liquid is ingested.
SNOW SPRAY: “Snow” particles are an inert plastic. Ingestion is considered nontoxic but deliberate inhalation of the propellant may cause drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.

FOOD SAFETY: Don't let spoiled food spoil your holidays! Visit http://www.eatsmartbc.ca for some simple rules to prevent food poisoning.
TURKEY PREPARATION: For information regarding thawing, cooking, preparing and storing your holiday turkey, visit http://www.butterball.ca.

PET SAFETY: Many people know that chocolate can be dangerous to dogs, but did you know that raisins and grapes, macadamia nuts, and bread dough could be problematic as well? Protect your pets this holiday season - keep Christmas decorations out of reach, and visit the American SPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control) and the Pet Poison Helpline (http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com) for more tips on poison prevention for your pet.

Wishing you all the best, from your Canadian Association of Poison Control Centres! 
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