According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, more than two million possible poisonings are reported to poison centers throughout the United States each year. And, kids aren't the only ones affected; over 70 percent of fatal poisonings occur in adults aged 20 to 59 years old.
Just as certain poisons most commonly affect children, several types of poisons (including household poison) are likely to affect adults. Poison centers report an association between the following ten common poisons and adult ingestion:
Although each of these is a common poison that you may use or encounter on a daily basis, certain preventative measures will ensure that these poisons don't adversely affect your health.
You can take steps each day to help prevent a poisoning accident and to keep you and your loved ones safe from potentially hazardous products. Specific poison prevention measures vary depending on the type of product; be sure to post the Poison Control Centers' national hotline number, 1-800-222-1222, close to your phone.
To properly use medications, you should observe important safety tips, such as:
To keep yourself safe from chemicals and household products you can take several precautions, including:
You may want to consider switching to non-toxic and safe cleaning products to decrease your exposure to poisonous chemicals. Look for the Design for the Environment (DfE) label to find products that are safer for you and the environment.
If you or someone close to you does swallow something poisonous, it's important to spit out any of the remaining substance right away. Do not, however, try to induce vomiting or use syrup of ipecac as treatment.
In most cases, symptoms of poisoning can be mild and may include:
But if the poisoning is severe, these symptoms can lead to seizures or even death. If the victim collapses or stops breathing, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) for assistance.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Poison prevention and treatment tips. Retrieved May 17, 2010, from http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/poisonpreventiontips.cfm.
National Capital Poison Center. (n.d.). The most common poisons for children and adults. Retrieved May 17, 2010, from http://www.poison.org/prevent/common.asp.
Poison Help. (n.d.). About poison help. Retrieved May 17, 2010, from http://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Prevent poisonings in your home. Retrieved May 17, 2010, from http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/health/poisonprevention.htm.
American Association of Poison Control Centers. (n.d.). Poison prevention tips for adults. Retrieved May 16, 2010, from http://www.aapcc.org/dnn/PoisoningPrevention/Adults/tabid/119/Default.aspx.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital. (n.d.). Poison prevention tips. Retrieved May 16, 2010, from http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/svc/alpha/d/dpic/prevent/tips.htm.
National Capital Poison Center. (n.d.). The most common poisons for children and adults. Retrieved May 16, 2010, from http://www.poison.org/prevent/common.asp.
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