Did you know?
It’s National Poison Prevention Week! In Canada, medications continue to be the leading cause of calls to “poison centres” for people of all ages. While these medications are designed to help us, they are only safe when used exactly as directed. This week, take a few minutes to:
- Review your medication labels to ensure correct dosages.
- Store all medications securely and out of reach of children.
Preventing Unintentional Poisoning
More than 5,000 Canadians die from poisoning each year. This reality makes “unintentional poisoning” a leading cause of death, even surpassing motor vehicle-related fatalities. This alarming trend highlights the importance of recognizing the dangers posed by everyday household items such as:
- Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
- Household cleaners: Bleach, detergents, and solvents.
- Cannabis products: Edibles and oils that may look like treats to children.
These potential poisons are frequently found in homes, garages, and cabins/cottages/camps. Knowing how to store these items safely and understanding the steps to take in a poisoning emergency can save lives.
Recognizing & identifying potential poisons
It is easy to overlook the fact that potential hazards are often closer than we think. Whether you are at home, in the garage or shed, or relaxing at a summer cabin/cottage/camp, many common household items we rely on every day are actually poisonous.
Household cleaners—appealing to children
Because of their appealing scents and colours, children might mistake household cleaners for something safe. It’s important to educate children about the dangers of unknown substances.
Know your household products
Many everyday household products can be poisonous if used improperly. Additionally, it’s important to always read labels on cleaning products, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals. Remember, store these items in their original containers and never mix household cleaners, as this can create dangerous toxic gases!
Ingesting cannabis—common cause of poisoning in children
Cannabis edibles pose a serious risk to children. These products, which often look like familiar treats such as brownies or gummy candies, can be easily mistaken for regular snacks. Unlike other forms of cannabis, edibles can produce a much more intense effect. If a child consumes them, they may experience severe symptoms, including extreme drowsiness, coma, agitation and breathing difficulties.
Laundry detergent pods—colourful and transparent
Laundry detergent pods can harm a child if ingested, or if the liquid gets into their eyes. Similarly, older adults experiencing dementia may mistake the pods for food, leading to accidental ingestion and potential health risks.
Personal care products
Personal care products such as perfume, mouthwash, and hand sanitizer can be appealing to children. These products often contain a high percentage of alcohol that can be harmful to children if ingested. It’s important to store these products up high and locked away from children’s reach.
Indoor plants—some can be toxic if ingested
Always ensure to leave the name tag on each plant in the home so that you can identify it. Plant names can be very similar, and visual identification can be tricky, especially for non-experts. The tag ensures you have the precise botanical (agricultural/floral/horticultural) name. This is crucial for poison centres as different plants have different toxins and require different treatments. If a child or pet ingests a plant, having the correct name is vital for poison centres to provide accurate advice.
Never assume a plant is safe
Never assume that a plant is safe to eat because birds or wildlife eat it. As well, children are naturally curious and prone to putting things in their mouth; this makes them particularly vulnerable to plant poisoning. Teach children to never touch or eat berries, seeds, flowers, nuts, leaves or plants they discover outside.
Never eat wild mushrooms
Poisonous mushrooms can look just like mushrooms that are safe to eat; poisonous varieties are difficult to distinguish from safe ones, so to protect children, routinely inspect your yard and remove all the mushrooms you find.
POISON CENTRES
Canada has a toll-free 24/7 number for poison centres. If you suspect a poisoning, call 1-844-POISON-X(1-844-764-7669). Program the number into your phone’s contact list. As well, keep the number in a visible location, such as on your fridge.
Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so, could lead to the unthinkable… the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.
Safety—it starts with you.
