Poisoning Information

Catalina Pediatrics Web Site

Every 30 seconds a child is poisoned in the United States. About 60% of all poisonings occur in children under the age of 6 (information from the American Association of Poison Control Centers). Unfortunately, child poisonings are much more common than we all would like to admit. This page has two sections: one on what to do if your child has been poisoned, and another that helps in poison-proofing your home.

The phone number for the Arizona Poison Control Center in Tucson is (520) 626-6016. If you don't live in Tucson, the phone number of the nearest poison control center can be found in your Yellow Pages, or you can call the Association of Poison Control Centers, (202) 362-7217. You also can access the association's web site at www.aapcc.org. Note: The association does not manage poison exposure cases.

The information below is copied directly from the "AAP News", a publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is reproduced here with their permission.

What to do if Your Child has been Poisoned

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If a poison was ingested:

	Check the mouth and remove any remaining poison.
	Do NOT treat or induce vomiting until you have consulted a professional. Vomiting can sometimes cause long-term damage.
	Bring the poison container with you to the phone and call the poison control center, physician, or emergency medical service.

If a poison has come in contact with your child's skin:

	Rinse the skin with running water for 15 minutes.
	Remove contaminated clothing.
	Call the poison control center or a health care professional.

If the substance has gotten into your child's eyes:

	Do not let the child rub the eyes.
	Do not put the child's head under a faucet.
	Gently hold the eyelids open while pouring cool water into them for 15 minutes.
	Then call the poison control center.

Calls to poison control centers are free. The centers are open 24 hours a day.

When you call, ask the specialist's first name, in case you need to make a follow-up call. Have the following information ready:

	the child's condition
	the name of the product and ingredients (take the container with you to the phone)
	how much was taken
	time the poisoning happened
	your name and phone number
	the age and weight of the child

Tips From the AAP on Poison-Proofing Different Areas of Your Home

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This is, by no means, an exhaustive review on child-proofing your home. If you would like more advice, call your pediatrician.

Kitchen

While some detergents are harmless, others can be deadly. The worst? Drain, oven, and toilet bowl cleaners. Most poisonings occur when the product is being used. Lock up lye, furniture polish, and dishwasher soap. Safety tips:

	Always keep your child in sight when answering the door or phone.
	Return all products to safe storage areas immediately after use.
	Store vitamins and dietary supplements in a safe place.
	If you must store items under the sink, be sure cabinets are locked.
	Keep food, household, and chemical products in separate areas, so cleaners won't be mistaken for food.
	Store all cleaning products in original containers -- original labels often contain first aid information.
	Discard old or out-of-date products.

Windowsill and Yard

A few plants are dangerous to children -- and pets -- so keep all plants out of reach. Safety tips:

	Identify the plants in and around hour home. Weed out poisonous types.
	Teach children not to eat leaves, berries, or mushrooms from the yard.
	Keep children away from grasses and plants that have been sprayed with chemicals. Better yet, avoid using chemical sprays.

Bathroom and Bedroom

Cosmetics and personal care products are hazardous. Nail products, including artificial nail glue remover and nail primers, contain dangerous methacrylic acid. Perfumes and colognes contain lots of alcohol. Talcum powder, if inhaled, can cause breathing problems. Safety tips:

	Keep all cosmetic products out of reach.
	Never leave such items unattended during use.
	Regularly discard old grooming products.

Workshop and Closet

Rat poison and other pesticides are extremely toxic whether eaten or absorbed through skin. Other threats? Paints, solvents, turpentine, mothballs, and art/craft supplies. Be aware of the potential for lead-based paint in homes built before 1978. Uncertain? Have the paint in your home tested. Check your phone directory for the nearest lead-testing firm; do-it-yourself lead test kits also are available. Safety tips:

	Use chemical products outside or in well-ventilated areas.
	After use, store immediately, preferably in locked cabinets or on high shelves far from common areas.
	Store in original containers.
	Discard old paint and packages.
	Keep children away from recently treated areas.

Garage

Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol can cause kidney damage if swallowed. Windshield washer fluid can cause blindness if swallowed. Safety tips:

	Never leave a car running in a closed garage.
	Don't leave auto chemical products unattended -- ever.
	Store auto products right after use, either up high or locked away from inquisitive children.

Basement

Carbon monoxide and gas fumes are health threats. Due to their high metabolisms, children are especially vulnerable to poisonous gases. Safety tips:

	Install carbon monoxide detectors.
	Be alert for leaky gas vents and malfunctioning wood, coal, or kerosene stoves.
	Schedule regular professional inspections of all fuel-burning appliances.

Date this page was last changed: 10/10/2002

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