Tips Offered During National Poison Prevention Week

HARTFORD — In observance of March 19–25 as National Poison Prevention Week, Governor M. Jodi Rell and the Department of Consumer Protection are reminding families to be vigilant in protecting youngsters from accidental poisoning.

“Poisoning can happen in a matter of seconds,” said Governor Rell. “Our goal is to make families more aware of the ever-present dangers posed by potentially poisonous household substances.”

“While accidental poisoning has declined greatly in recent years, each year 30 children under the age of 5 die from poisoning in the US, mostly from common household products, and thousands are seen in emergency rooms,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez said. “Thanks to poison education, poison prevention hotlines, and child-resistant packaging, there are literally thousands of people alive today that would have otherwise been victims of accidental poisoning.”

In conjunction with the National Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Department recommends that:

éParents keep items in their original containers, leave the original labels on the products and read labels before use. Grandparents and others who baby-sit young children should use only child-resistant packaging and keep all household products and medicines locked up, out of sight, and out of reach of young children.

éOlder children be aware of the dangers associated with poisoning and help their parents keep younger siblings in sight; this means taking them along when answering the phone or doorbell.

éAnyone who suspects poisoning call the Poison Control Center 800-222-1222 immediately.

éWhen using child-resistant packaging, close the container securely after each use.

éDecorative lamps and candles that contain lamp oil be kept away from children’s reach. Lamp oil can be very toxic if ingested by young children.

éPersons always have plenty of light when giving or taking medicine to avoid mistakes. Check the dosage every time.

éAdults avoid taking medicine in front of children.

“Mouthwash, cleaners, over-the-counter pain relievers, and even adult vitamins with iron are just a few of the products that can result in serious accidental poisonings,” Commissioner Rodriguez said. “Proper storage, use. and supervision of all household, personal health, and grooming products can literally save lives.”

To get a free packet of poison prevention publications, write to Poison Prevention Packet, PO Box 1543, Washington DC 20013, or visit PoisonPrevention.org.