The Importance of Poison Control Centers

Every 15 seconds, someone in the US contacts a poison control center for help with an accidental poisoning. Accidental poisoning is the top cause of preventable deaths in the United States, killing more people each year than car accidents or gun injuries. In 2023, more than two million people all across the country called in to one of the 54 national Poison Control Centers with queries related to poisons. The Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) and their website (PoisonHelp.org) are manned around the clock to provide expert help.

Accidental poisoning led to more than 80,000 emergency room visits in 2022. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2020, over 40 children under five died from accidentally ingesting common household items such as cleaning products or personal care products. Those statistics are shocking! Thankfully, education and awareness have made a big difference over the years. Since the early 1970s, efforts like National Poison Prevention Week have helped reduce poison-related deaths by 80 percent.

National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) was created by Congress in 1961 to educate people about poison safety and prevention. It takes place every year during the third week of March. This week is a time to raise awareness about the dangers of poisoning and share tips to keep everyone safe.

How to keep a home safe from accidental poisoning

National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) focuses on teaching people how to prevent poison emergencies. One of the best ways to be prepared is by saving Poison Help’s contact information so it’s easy to find in case of accidental poisoning.

Where to look for the possible hazards

Throughout the home, there are areas where dangerous substances are commonly kept. Keeping a home safe from accidental poisoning involves being careful about where these items are stored. 

Laundry / utility rooms are typically the place where extremely toxic substances, such as bleaches, dishwasher powders, laundry detergents, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, methylated spirits, and turpentine are kept. Where possible, these should be kept locked securely away or on a high shelf out of reach of the youngsters. 

In the kitchen, cleaning products like dish soap, disinfectants, drain cleaners, and oven cleaners should always be kept securely out of reach of children or in child-resistant containers. 

Bathrooms are another source of many potential poisons. Things that are used daily, like mouthwash, toothpaste, nail polish, nail polish remover, perfume, and aftershave can be laced with potential poisons and need to be stored with care. Other items that are dangerous if not used correctly, such as air fresheners, toilet cleaners, and hair tints, should be stored in a safe place. Medicines, even over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, supplements, and pet medications, can be highly toxic if taken in large doses. Prescription drugs can be poisonous even in small quantities and especially need to be stored securely. 

In the main living areas, items like alcoholic drinks should also be kept out of sight and reach to prevent accidents. Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis products all carry with them an unacceptable level of risk if abused and need to be kept out of reach of curious hands. Watch out for other hazards around the house, like certain plants, like oleander, datura, and foxglove.

Even bedrooms can have hidden dangers. There are often bedside medicines, cough liquids and eye drops kept at hand for easy access at night. Simply storing these items in low drawers or bedside tables is unsafe, especially if children can easily access them.

Outdoors, items like bug spray, weed killer, fertilizers, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, gasoline, motor oil, and paint products should be safely stored in places like the garage, basement, or storage areas. These products should stay in their original containers and be kept out of reach of kids and pets. To avoid accidents, it’s best to lock them away in cabinets where they can’t be easily accessed.

Best ways to prevent accidental poisoning from medications

While there are many household hazards, poisoning from the inappropriate ingestion of medications is high on the list of avoidable accidents. In 2023, painkillers remained the top substances involved in adult poisoning cases. Heart medications, antidepressants, and sedatives or sleep aids closely followed them. 

Some methods suggested to reduce this include:

• Know your medications

Patients should always ask their doctor for the name of any new medication they are prescribed so they know what to expect when picking it up at the pharmacy. When refilling a prescription, they should check to see if the medicine looks the same in color, size, shape, and texture. If it looks different, they should talk to the pharmacist.

• Know how to take medications correctly

Patients should ask their pharmacist or doctor questions like when and how often to take it, what the medication is supposed to do, and if there are any foods, activities, or other drugs to avoid while using it. They should also ask about common side effects and what to do if they accidentally take too much or miss a dose.

• Read medicine labels and follow directions

Every time someone takes medicine, they should carefully read the label on the bottle. They should also review the information sheet that comes with prescription drugs.

• Keep health care providers informed

Doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare providers should know about all the medications and supplements the patient is taking, including vitamins and herbal products. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe, as supplements can cause side effects or interact with other medicines.

• Keep a list of medications

Patients should write down all the medicines they take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. They should always keep the list with them and give a copy to a family member or friend. This way, someone can share the information with doctors or medical staff during an emergency.

By taking simple precautions when it comes to substances that could be poisonous, many accidents can be prevented. Whether it’s safeguarding the home or understanding prescriptions, these small steps can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure.

FAQs

What should I expect when I call the poison control hotline?

If someone calls a poison specialist, they will be asked questions like the name of the product involved, how much was taken, when it happened, the age and weight of the person affected, how the person is feeling, and a phone number to stay in contact. 

What is the first aid of accidental poisoning?

If someone has inhaled poison, move them to fresh air immediately. For poison on the skin, remove any contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area with running water for 15 to 20 minutes. If poison has entered the eyes, flush them with running water for 15 to 20 minutes.

What should you not do in case of accidental poisoning?

Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person, and do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a doctor or the Poison Control Center. Vomiting may cause further harm, especially if the poison is a corrosive substance that can damage the throat both when swallowed and when regurgitated. Avoid attempting to neutralize the poison with substances like lemon juice, vinegar, or other remedies unless directed by medical professionals.