TIPS FOR POISON PREVENTION

Poisoning is the second most common cause of injury-related death after motorcycle crashes in Miami-Dade County. The majority of deaths associated with poisoning occur in the adult population. More than 90 percent of the poisonings happen at home – mainly in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

National Poison Prevention Week is observed from March 17 to March 23. During this week, Jackson wants to make sure the community is aware of the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. These prevention tips will help you keep your family safe:

• Keep medications in the their original containers, with child-resistant lids firmly in place
• Never call medicine “candy” when talking with children
• Inform your doctor of all medications that you are taking (including over-the-counter and herbal products)
• Never use medication prescribed for someone else, or offer your medication to others
• Seek treatment for substance abuse involving pain-killers or sedative medication
• Safely dispose of medications at a community take-back event, or through your pharmacy
• Install a carbon monoxide detector near bedrooms and garages
• Eliminate old or unneeded chemicals and cleaners from the home
• Use child safety latches on cabinets and drawers in the home

Poisoning in children is most often caused by a child getting into vitamins or others medications in the home. This is followed by household cleaning products or cosmetics. In adults, poisoning deaths are very commonly the result of medication misuse, particularly involving prescription pain or sedative medicines.

If you have a poisoning concern, call the Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. More than 90 percent of cases from the general public can be managed without referral to the emergency room.  For more poison prevention tips, please click here.