Page 133 - Participant Manual

Box 7-2. Household Poisons

Many everyday household items can be poisonous if they are
used incorrectly. Young children and older adults with medical
conditions that are associated with confusion (e.g., dementia) or who
have impaired vision are at particularly high risk for unintentional
poisoning. Common causes of unintentional poisonings at home
include:

■ Alcohol (found in many products, including ■ Insect and weed killers.
hand sanitizer, mouthwash, perfume, cologne, Car maintenance products (e.g., antifreeze,
aftershave and vanilla extract). ■
windshield washer fluid).
■ Medications (over-the-counter and Plants (both houseplants and outdoor plants).
prescription) and vitamins. ■
■ Oils, lubricants and polishes.
■ Cleaning products
(detergent “pods” are ■ Personal care products.
especially attractive to Tobacco.
children). ■
■ Heavy metals, such as lead (often found in old,
■ Glues and paints. peeling paint).

Box 7-3. Lowering the Risk

for Unintentional Poisoning

If your household contains members who are at high risk for unintentional poisoning, there
are simple steps you can take to help keep them safe:
■ Keep all medications and household products ■ Be aware that a child or confused older adult
well out of reach of children or confused older may try to consume products that feature fruit
adults, preferably up, away and out of sight. on the label (e.g., cleaning products), so take
care when storing these.
■ Store potentially poisonous substances in
locked cabinets. ■ Never call a medicine “candy” to entice a child
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to take it, even if the medicine has a pleasant
■ Be aware that purses and bags may contain candy-like flavor.
potential poisons (such as medications or
hand sanitizer). Avoid putting bags or purses ■ Use child-resistant safety caps on containers
down where they are within reach of curious of medication and other potentially dangerous
children or confused older adults. products, but do not assume that children
cannot open them. (There is no such thing as
■ Closely supervise children and confused older “childproof.”)
adults, especially in areas where potential
poisons are commonly stored (such as ■ Dispose of medications and other potentially
kitchens, bathrooms and garages). poisonous substances properly. Check with
your local government for procedures for
■ Keep medications and products in their original the safe disposal of unused and expired
containers with their original labels in place.
medications and other hazardous
■ Use poison symbols to identify potentially materials.
poisonous substances, and teach children the
meaning of the symbols.

Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 124 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 125 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual