It's National Poison Prevention Week
SALT LAKE CITY - In Utah and around the nation, it's National Poison Prevention Week.
The focus is on taking some simple steps around the home to help reduce the chances of accidental poisoning, said Marty Malheiro, outreach coordinator at the Utah Poison Control Center. She said potentially dangerous products including medications, cosmetics and household cleaners should be kept out of the reach of children.
"Our younger kids are very inquisitive and they like to orally explore their environment, and that's when they tend to get into these products," she said. "So, when we keep them locked up and out of reach, the kids are safer."
Poisoning is the leading cause of death from injuries in the United States. More than 2 million poisonings are reported to poison-control centers each year, with more than 90 percent occurring in the home.
Health officials say that among the newer concerns are e-cigarettes, with their flavored liquid nicotine, and laundry pods, which often have bright colors and can be mistaken by young children as candy.
In the event of a poisoning, Malheiro said to call the poison hotline at 1-800-222-1221 as soon as possible.
"It's kind of our mantra: You call fast to treat a poisoning," she said, "and the reason for that is, the sooner you call, the sooner we can mitigate any adverse effects."
Of all the people who call the poison hotline from home, Malheiro said, the majority don't have to go to the hospital but can stay at home and follow treatment recommendations.
More information is online at poisonprevention.org.
The focus is on taking some simple steps around the home to help reduce the chances of accidental poisoning, said Marty Malheiro, outreach coordinator at the Utah Poison Control Center. She said potentially dangerous products including medications, cosmetics and household cleaners should be kept out of the reach of children.
"Our younger kids are very inquisitive and they like to orally explore their environment, and that's when they tend to get into these products," she said. "So, when we keep them locked up and out of reach, the kids are safer."
Poisoning is the leading cause of death from injuries in the United States. More than 2 million poisonings are reported to poison-control centers each year, with more than 90 percent occurring in the home.
Health officials say that among the newer concerns are e-cigarettes, with their flavored liquid nicotine, and laundry pods, which often have bright colors and can be mistaken by young children as candy.
In the event of a poisoning, Malheiro said to call the poison hotline at 1-800-222-1221 as soon as possible.
"It's kind of our mantra: You call fast to treat a poisoning," she said, "and the reason for that is, the sooner you call, the sooner we can mitigate any adverse effects."
Of all the people who call the poison hotline from home, Malheiro said, the majority don't have to go to the hospital but can stay at home and follow treatment recommendations.
More information is online at poisonprevention.org.
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