Poisonings

“Injuries are Predictable and Preventable”

Fact:

Medication in the home is the leading cause of poisoning in children. Small amounts of adult medication can be fatal to your child. Other causes of poisonings are household cleaners and personal care products, such as mouthwash and nail polish. Safe Kids Canada - Poison Prevention

What Can I Do?

• Place all medicines including vitamins in locked cupboards.
• Keep all medication in original child-resistant packaging.
• Make sure that your child knows that medicine is not candy.
• Always read the label and check the dosage each time you give or take medicine.
• Take your own medicine where your child cannot see you.
• Store medicine and cleaning products out of reach in their original containers.
• Learn the names of plants you have and give away or discard any that are poisonous.
• Empty glasses and ashtrays at the end of the evening. A child can become very ill by a small amount of alcohol and can be poisoned by a cigarette butt.
• When visitors come to your home, make sure they keep their purses and suitcases out of your child’s reach. They may have dangerous or unsafe products with them.

For more information on Poison Control click Children's Safety - Poison Prevention.