Viva Vitality: Poison Prevention Week: Tips for a Safer Home – Medicine Hat News

From Medicine Hat News, March 15, 2024.

Each year, more than 4,000 Canadians lose their lives to poisoning. The annual number of unintentional poisoning deaths is now greater than the number of transportation-related deaths in Canada. In 2021, there were a total of 187,068 cases of poisoning in poison control centers in Canada. Because of their smaller bodies and curiosity, children are at higher risk of poisoning.

You may think of generic products that can cause poisoning, such as household cleaners or soap, but in reality it can be more than just household cleaners. Other common poisoning items can include everyday items such as medicines, cannabis products, laundry detergents and capsules, personal care products such as perfumes, mouthwashes and hand sanitizers, some house plants, and many other household items.

Among the products listed above, drugs are the leading cause of poisoning in Canada. In 2021, pain relief medications were the main substance that Canadian poison control centers received calls about.

Here are some tips to prevent poisoning at home:

1. Keep all toxic items locked up and out of the sight and reach of children.

2. Always store medications after use.

3. Keep visitors' personal belongings, such as bags and coats, out of reach.

4. Store medications, cleaning supplies and other products in their original child-proof containers.

5. Do not mix cleaning products as this may cause a chemical reaction that can produce dangerous gases.

6. Check medication doses before administering or taking.

7. Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors installed.

8. Make sure your child knows not to put berries, seeds, flowers, nuts, mushrooms, or leaves in their mouth.

If you suspect poisoning in Alberta, call 1-800-332-1414 to contact the Drug and Poison Information Service (PADIS). If the person loses consciousness or has difficulty breathing, call 911.

National Poison Prevention Week, celebrated March 17-23, is an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness of the poisoning injuries that occur in Canada each year. To raise awareness during Poison Prevention Week, use the hashtag #EmpowerPoisonPrevention.

For more information and resources, visit:

https://www.injurypreventioncentre.ca/campaigns/poison-prevention

https://parachute.ca/en/program/poison-prevention-week/

Kiana Farrell is a student intern in the Southern Zone Public and Population Health team at Alberta Health Services.

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