Poison

Curiosity is a natural stage of children's development, but it also puts the child at greater risk of unintentional poisoning. Although household cleaners are a frequent cause of poisoning, children can also be fatally poisoned by iron, alcohol, and carbon monoxide. In Maricopa County, between 1998 and 2002, there were 5 deaths and 104 near fatal poisonings in children ages 0 to 14. The highest age range was 1 to 4 years. By proper prevention efforts, the majority of these poisonings could be avoided.

Poison Dangers In and Around the Home

• Medicines and vitamins both for the child and other family members

• Cleaning solutions

• Certain plants

• Lead-based paint used in homes built before 1978

• Products put in something other than its original container

• Alcohol

• Mixing different cleaning products together

• Make-up, hair spray, cologne, and other personal products

Safety Tips for Parents

• Store all household products and medications locked out of sight and out of the reach of children.

• Keep all products in original containers.

• Know which plants in and around your home are poisonous, and either remove them or make them inaccessible to children.

• Throw away old medicines and other potential poisons.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

• If your home was built before 1978, have it tested for lead-based paint.

• Keep activated charcoal on hand, and use it only at the advice of a poison control center or physician.

• Teach grandparents and relatives to take precautions when children are visiting their homes.

What Parents Should Teach Kids

• Never put leaves, stems, bark, seeds, nuts, or berries from any plant into their mouth.

• Never refer to medicine or vitamins as "candy".

If you suspect a poisoning:

Call the toll-free poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.