News & Events

SEETHALER, NEIL
MD, FAAP
BELLEVUE

March 16-22, 2008 was National Poison Control Week.  Basic poison prevention and treatment is important to all families, whether you have young children or young adults in your home. 

Because most poisonings occur when parents are home, it is important to know where your children are and what they are doing.  Common household medicines and products are some of the most dangerous potential poisons.  Even fever and cold medicines can be poisonous when not given appropriately.

To prevent home poisonings:

• Store medicine and products in their original packaging
• Keep medicines and products out of reach of children, locked if necessary
• Discard unused medications
• Never refer to medicine as “candy” or another appealing name
• Ensure proper dosage of medications
• Keep poisonous products out of food or drink containers
• Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

If you suspect your child has been exposed to a poison, but has mild or no symptoms, call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.  For a child who is unconscious, not breathing or having convulsions, call 911 immediately.  It is important to not induce vomiting for swallowed poisons.  Syrup of ipecac is no longer used for ingested poisonings.  Flush eyes and skin with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes for external exposure to caustic or corrosive products. 

For more facts and information checkout these websites.
Centers for Disease Control   www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets.poisoning.htm 
American Association of Poison Control Centers   www.aapcc.org