Poisoning
Children come into closer contact with their environment than adults by crawling on the floor, picking things up to touch and by tasting things. Children often explore the world around them by putting things in their mouth. Children are more sensitive than adults to harmful substances and many everyday items that are found in our homes are dangerous to children in even very small doses. Poisoning is a leading cause of hospitalization for Saskatchewan children, particularly between the ages of 1 and 4.
Medication is the leading cause of poisoning for children in Canada. Many other common sources of poisoning for children include fertilizers; pesticides; cleaning products; vitamins; cosmetics such as make-up, hair products and nail polish remover; alcohol; and tobacco.
Poisoning Prevention
Simple safety measures can be taken to ensure a child does not suffer an injury due to poisoning. Keep all dangerous substances out of sight and reach of your child in a locked cupboard. Participate in active supervision of your child at all times. Other actions to reduce the risk of an injury due to poisoning include:
- Keep chemicals, cleaning products, medications and vitamins in their original container with original labels. Do not re-use chemical containers and follow directions on container for proper disposal.
- Do not mix household cleaners as they may produce toxic fumes.
- Teach your older children to recognize warning labels on products and what they mean.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on all levels of your home and outside of sleeping areas.
- Test monthly and replace the batteries every six months.
- Keep the number of the Saskatchewan Poison Centre (1-866-454-1212) by all phones and contact them if your child swallows or comes in contact with anything poisonous or you suspect your child has swallowed or come in contact with anything poisonous.
Links
For age specific poisoning prevention:
Child Safety Link
http://childsafetylink.ca/
For more information on poisoning prevention, please visit the links below.
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY, HEALTH CANADA
Children’s Jewellery Containing Lead (2009)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/jewellery-bijoux-eng.php
Do You Know What These Symbols Mean? (2005)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/symbol-eng.php
Is Your Child Safe? (2006)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/child-enfant/index-eng.php
HEALTHY CANADIANS, GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
Poison Prevention (2010)
http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/init/kids-enfants/inj-prev-bless/poison-empoisonnements/index-eng.php
SAFE KIDS CANADA
Poison Prevention (2011)
http://www.safekidscanada.ca/Parents/Safety-Information/Poison-Prevention/Index.aspx