Things like toiletries, cosmetics, vitamins, medications and even certain house and garden plants are some of the “hidden” risks that you should be aware of. These items contain toxins which are very harmful when ingested or inhaled. Another serious cause for concern is the adolescent trend of intentionally inhaling poisonous vapors from common household products as a means of getting “high.”

But even though these risks may exist, there are steps you can take to prevent your family from being in harm’s way. We’ve teamed up with the University of Connecticut Health Center to give you the information you need to make your home a danger-free zone, including tips on to how to prevent accidental poisoning, recognizing the signs and what to do in case of such an emergency.

Medications

As you know, whether it’s a doctor-prescribed prescription or an over-the-counter drug, medications can be very dangerous if ingestedimproperly. And aside from the risk of an accidental overdose, many kids also have allergies to antibiotics like penicillin, and the side affects from something as seemingly harmless as aspirin can cause life-threatening reactions.

Do yourself a favor and don’t rely on child-resistant packaging as a means of prevention. Although they can be difficult for even an adult to open, a curious kid will find a way to access the contents. Store pill bottles, cough syrup and boxes of cold or allergy tablets in a locked cabinet. Also be careful of where you put your purse or briefcase and remind visitors to do the same if they contain those types of items.

Vitamins

With all of the fun-shaped and sweet-flavored kid’s vitamins on the market these days, children can easily get the wrong impression, mistake them for candy and help themselves when you’re not looking. But something you may not be aware of is that vitamins are actually considered medicinal and overdosing on them is possible. And if you’ve got older kids, preteen and up in particular, who are taking a more adult-type, multivitamin, be very conscious of the iron content, because too much in a child’s system can cause an “iron overload.” So treat vitamins the same way you would a medication and keep them far out of reach.

Toiletries & Cosmetics

Many toiletries and cosmetics like nail polish remover, hair dye and perfume contain toxins that can lead to serious health hazards if ingested or inhaled. Be sure to keep all of these items stored safely away and far out of the reach of your kids.

Plants and Foliage

One of the first things you’ll want to do is teach your kids to never put into their mouths any type of leaf, berry or mushroom they might find in the backyard. Because as pretty and decorative as they are, several common plants contain toxins that will not only cause itching, redness and inflammation of the skin, but also more serious side effects like swelling, which can lead to constriction of breathing passages. Some of the garden-variety flowersto be on the lookout for are daffodils, lily of the valley, tulips and azaleas. Common plants which can cause problems include snake plants, philodendrons and holly.

Inhalant Abuse

If you have older kids, especially 10 and up, be aware of a very dangerous trend among this age group called “huffing” — it involves the use of easily and legally obtainable products found right in your own home. Kids actually get “high” by inhaling fumes from aerosol cans, rags soaked with gasoline or bags filled with poisonous liquid solvents.

Needless to say, this practice is extremely dangerous and can lead to brain damage and/or cause the heart to immediately stop beating. Peer pressure and general curiosity is leading kids into this realm of dangerous activity.
Some recognizable signs to look for are chapped lips, a distinctive odor on their breath and unusual stains on their hands and clothes. This practice continues to grow in popularity and it’s something you need to discuss with your preteens and teens.

In Case of Emergency

If your child has accidentally ingested or overdosed on a poisonous substance, do your best to remain calm so you can accomplish what needs to be done to help. Keep the American Association of Poison Control Center’s phone number handy and call immediately to get assistance — 1.800.222.1222. Specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will provide help and treatment recommendations on an urgent basis. And, in any instance, if your child has collapsed or is not breathing, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Reviewed for accuracy by Bernard Sangalli, Administrative Director and Toxicologist at the Connecticut Poison Control Center of  the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Let Lenny Lend A Hand!  

The Connecticut Poison Control Center at the UConn Health Center would like to introduce your kids to a new friend — Lenny Lend A Hand. Enter his Web site on UConn’s Poison Control Center home page and let Lenny guide your kids through interactive lessons and games while teaching them all about poison control safety.

The Web site is split into age-appropriate levels — 1st through 3rd and 4th through 6th grades. Kids can get important information about poison control by clicking on the links and following Lenny through the entertaining learning process. He will teach them the difference between candy and medicine and about things they should never put in their mouths as they complete his poison word search. Lenny also encourages kids to call the Center if they ever think somebody they know has swallowed something dangerous.

Check out all of the educational activities at http://poisoncontrol.uchc.edu/. And helpful Lenny also provides instructions for babysitters and teachers, too!

---

©Copyright 2010, Big Y Foods, Inc., Springfield, MA, (413) 784.0600
Artwork is for display purposes only and does not necessarily reflect specific items. Not responsible for typographical errors.