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Household Poison Primer

Kansas City parents need to know all things that can keep their children safe. From basic childproofing tips to information on how to protect from children from burn injuries, the list of things to know to protect children in the home is exhaustive. Protecting children from household poisons is a part of that long list that cannot be overlooked.

Each year, a staggering amount of children are poisoned in the U.S. Many of these poisonings are preventable with basic common sense. Two million kids under the age of five are treated for poisoning annually. As soon as they are old enough to understand, children must be taught never to touch poisonous items. Parents and caregivers should look beyond just the items in the cleaning products aisle for sources of poison. Many common household items pose a great risk for children.

Medicines
Children see their parents and grandparents pop pills into their mouths and seek to mimic the behavior. Many children's medications are very yummy to little ones. Most vitamins come on forms that look exactly like candy. Children are not yet capable of discerning the difference.

Never tell a child he is taking candy when administering medicine. He may just believe you. A few more safety tips consider:

1. Store all medicines high and out of reach, including over the counter formulas and herbal remedies.
2. Do not rely solely on child proof lids to keep a child out of dangerous medicines.
3. Store medicines in their original containers. In case of an accidental poisoning, doctors will lose precious time trying to figure out what was swallowed. Many original containers will give physicians the exact antidote information right on the bottle.
4. Flush old medicines down the toilet after they pass the expiration date labeled on the bottle.
5. Store other products away from medicines.
6. Remember that vitamins can poison children as well when more that the recommended dosage is taken. Where possible, avoid buying "gummy" vitamins and other preparations that resemble candy too closely.

Household Products
Cleaning products, pesticides, garden chemicals, and automotive fluids put children at a risk for poisonings. Always keep these products up high and out of reach. If high storage is not an option, install cabinet locks and drawer guards. Keep automotive products up high in the garage as well. Never put these products in other containers. Children are attracted to bright colors and new tastes. Antifreeze, for example, resembles neon colored juices and has a sweet taste. Look for the safest household products you can find.

Other Dangers
Medicines and chemicals are not the only poisons found at home. Block small children from accessing the following as well:

1. Toothpaste and mouthwash
2. Household plants. Many plants are lethal. Know the name of every plant within your home in case you must call Poison Control. This knowledge will could save a child's life.
3. Alcohol and tobacco products
4. Lighter fluid
5. Makeup remover
6. Soaps and shampoos
7. Sunscreen and self-tanning products
8. Contact lens products
9. Shaving cream and other toiletries
10. Perfumes and colognes

Common Sense Tips
One of the most important things a parent or caregiver can do is to see the world through a child's eyes. Get down on their level, on hands and knees if possible, and look at everything they can see and touch. Remove anything that could be a potential poison danger. Never take for granted that a child will not think to ingest something, no matter how innocuous it may seem.

Possibly the best safety tip is to post the number of Poison Control by each telephone in the house. Post it, memorize it, know it. The universal number is 1-800-222-1222. Your call will be routed to the local poison control center in your area.

Child safety is of paramount importance to the Kansas City child injury attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys. If you have any questions about a possible child injury claim, call 888-348-2616 for information about a free initial consultation. Download your free copy of 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim for even more valuable information.

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