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Unintentional Poisoning

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Charlie:
Submitted by Steve B.

                                                      Unintentional Poisoning

Did you know?
 Among people 35 to 54 years old, unintentional poisoning causes more deaths than motor vehicle crashes.
Source: cdc.gov
 
 Millions of people are unintentionally poisoned every year.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional poisoning includes the use of drugs or chemicals for recreational purposes in excessive amounts, such as an "overdose."  It also includes the excessive use of drugs or chemicals for nonrecreational purposes, such as by a toddler.

Poisons come in four different forms:

· Solid poisons include medicine, plants, powders (like laundry soap and automatic dishwasher detergent), granular pesticides, and fertilizers.

· Liquid poisons may be thick or thin and include lotion, liquid laundry soap, furniture polish, lighter fluid, and syrup medicines.  Pay special attention to liquids because a large quantity can be swallowed in a short period of time and they are absorbed rapidly.

· Spray poisons include insecticides, spray paint and some cleaning products.  Aerosol sprays may be flammable, explode and cause damage to the heart and lungs if inhaled.

· Invisible poisons include gases or vapors, such as carbon monoxide from hot water heaters and furnaces, exhaust fumes from automobiles, fumes from gas or oil-burning stoves, and industrial pollution in the air.

 

 There are ways to lower the risk of unintentional poisoning at home and at work.  The safety tips below were adapted from the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ poison prevention tips for children and adults.

Drugs and medicines

· Follow directions on the label when you give or take medicines.  Read all warning labels.  Some medicines cannot be taken safely when you take other medicines or drink alcohol.

·  Turn on a light when you give or take medicines at night so that you know you have the correct amount of the right medicine.

· Keep medicines in their original bottles or containers and never share or sell your prescription drugs.
 

Household chemicals and carbon monoxide

· Always read the label before using a product that may be poisonous.

· Keep chemical products in their original bottles or containers.  Do not use food containers such as cups, bottles or jars to store chemical products like cleaning solutions or beauty products. 

· Never mix household products together.  For example, mixing bleach and ammonia can result in toxic gases.

· Wear protective clothing (gloves, long sleeves, long pants, socks, shoes) if you spray pesticides or other chemicals.

· Turn on the fan and open windows when using chemical products such as household cleaners.

 

 Another recommendation is to put the poison control number, 1-800-222-1222, on or near every home telephone and cell phone.  The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Specialists in poison information can provide treatment recommendations for a variety of questions concerning treatments for poisoning, including bites and stings, food poisoning, occupational poisoning, drug overdose, and more.

 Unintentional poisoning can occur at any time.  Ensure you are educated about the risks and take appropriate caution to avoid what could be a deadly situation.
 

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