“A few common-sense steps can prevent many childhood poisoning accidents,” Schmidt said. “Simply taking a few minutes to evaluate the safe storage of medications and other poisonous materials can prevent injuries and save lives.”
“Many medications and poisons resemble common foods and snacks,” added Angela Nordhus, executive director of the Child Death Review Board. “For example, window cleaners or antifreeze could look like a sports drink to a child and pills could remind them of candy. Medications and poisons should always be stored in their original containers and kept out of reach of children. Children are also at a higher risk of injury and fatality when they are unsupervised. Lack of supervision is a recipe for disaster.”
A poison is anything that can cause sickness or death if it gets into or on the body. The most common types of poison include:
- Solids - Examples include pills, batteries, plants and berries.
- Gases - Poisonous gases like carbon monoxide are invisible and are often odorless, unless it contains an additive to make it smell as is the case with propane.
- Liquids - Liquid poisons can be any color and are creamy, gummy or watery. Examples include household cleaning products, antifreeze, medicine, gasoline, paint and farm chemicals.
- Sprays - Spray poisons come from a can or bottle.
