Households contain many toxic substances that can poison children. Young children are by their very nature curious, and poisionings can happen the minute you turn your back. Therefore, it is important to take as many precautions as possible to make your home safe for kids.

What to do in the event of a poisoning

Child-Proofing Your Home

Hazardous substances should be stored in locked cabinets or cabinets with safety latches and at a height out of reach of small children. Never let your children see you take these items out or put them away.

Do not store these items in the same place as ordinary items. Never store these chemicals out of their original container.

If possible, make "skull and crossbone" stickers to place on the containers and train your children to stay away from any container bearing that symbol.

Pay special attention to the following substances found in every home:

All Household cleaning chemicals
All medications and vitamins, especially medications containing Iron

Should have child-resistant tops (remember though, they are NOT child proof.
Do not take medication in front of children or let them see where you keep it.
Never refer to medicine as "candy" to get kids to take it.

Plants
Paints

Do not use lead-based paints in your home

Pesticides
Varnishes
Thinners
Pesticides
Fertilizers
Matches
All Car Fluids
Kerosene

Houses should also be checked for gas leaks, carbon monoxide levels, sewer gas(keep all traps full), lead, and asbestos.

Extra Precautions for young children:

Make sure all gas, kerosene and wood stoves are functioning properly.
Keep all outlets covered. (Special plugs are available for the receptacles)
Keep Electrical Wires out of reach
Remove or turn over all buckets
Fix any plaster flaking or broken wood trim that children might pull off and eat
Make a special sandbox for children using bagged playbox sand free of toxins and bacteria.
Do not let your children play in outside dirt that may be filled with toxins, animal feces, contaminants, pesticides or near septic tanks.

IN THE EVENT OF A POISONING

Call your doctor or the local poison control center (Always keep these numbers posted in a well known area and by every phone).

Visit the American Association of Poison Control Centers website to find your local posion center.

Poison on the skin

Remove clothes and rinse the skin with lukewarm - not hot - water. If the area shows signs of burning, continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes. Do not use ointments or grease.

Poison in the eye

Flush eyes by pouring a steady stream of lukewarm water into the inner corners of the open eye. For young children, wrap them tightly in a towel and clamp under one arm. Use one hand to hold the eyelids open and the other to pour in the water. Do not use an eyecup, eyedrops, or ointment unless the poison center or doctor tell you to do so.

Poisonous fumes

Remove child from home and into fresh air immediately. If the child is not breathing, use CPR until breathing begins. If the child is still unresponsive after 1 minute of CPR, call 911.

Information sources include Publications of the
American Academy of Pediatrics.

DISCLAIMER: Information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical treatment or consultation from a licensed physician.

Caution!