Prevent accidental poisonings: Recognize common dangers linked to fall and winter seasons

10/15/2014

By Lisa Williams, RN, BSN
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital Emergency Department Director

There are more than 10,800 calls to poison centers every day, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Those especially at risk are children. Siloam Springs Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department treats more than 16,000 patients each year, and many seek treatment for poisoning. With autumn and winter approaching, parents are encouraged to take note of hazardous seasonal items in their homes – where 90 percent of poisonings occur.

Parents are usually careful to lock known chemicals in cabinets. However, it’s everyday household items like medications and cleaning supplies that are often the worst culprits. Some injuries may be prevented if parents take note of these common culprits.

Poisoning culprits common in autumn and winter

• Medications – Increased illnesses in winter mean there may be more medications in the home than normal. Medications are the leading cause of child poisoning, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. Recent CDC research shows 9,500 U.S. children younger than 6 are hospitalized each year after ingesting a family member’s medication. Three-quarters of the children are younger than 2 years old.

  Large doses of medicine containing antihistamines can affect blood pressure and heart rhythm, especially in young children. More potent drugs responsible for an alarming increase in child poisonings include narcotic painkillers, sedatives and medications to treat high blood pressure, diabetes and depression.

  It’s not enough to make sure a medication cap is on tightly. Medications should be stored in a locked cabinet out of a child’s reach. Parents aren't the only ones who need to be vigilant. Grandparents need to be aware of this danger, since they often carry medications in their purses, or place them on the bathroom sink when they are staying overnight.

• Pesticides – Mouse poison and ant bait can be toxic. And other pesticides can be absorbed through skin or fumes breathed into the body, affecting the lungs and central nervous system.
  Anything in a spray bottle is especially attractive to young children. Kids have been known to spray lethal chemicals right into their mouths. These items must also be kept out of reach in a locked cabinet.
• Vehicle winter-care products – Antifreeze, which has a sweet taste, often appeals to children. Swallowing even a small amount can cause severe illness. Make sure the safety cap is secure and keep the container in a locked cabinet or car trunk if you buy antifreeze or windshield wiper fluid. Rinse out empty containers and throw them away with the safety cap secure.
• Sidewalk salt – Chemicals found in the salt used to melt ice are dangerous if ingested by children; keep containers in a locked cabinet.

During winter there is an elevated risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as heating systems are switched on and windows and doors are closed. According to the CDC more than 20,000 emergency visits each year are related to carbon monoxide which is an odorless, colorless gas. It can be emitted by gas water heaters and home furnaces not working properly. To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide emissions in your home, the CDC recommends:

• Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.
• Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do not use portable, flameless chemical heaters indoors.
• If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator's cooling unit have an expert service it.
• When purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories.

If you suspect that someone has ingested or been exposed to a poisonous substance, do not wait for symptoms. Remain calm. Call 911 if you have a poison emergency and the victim has collapsed or is not breathing. If the victim is awake and alert, dial (800) 222-1222. Try to have this information ready to use either over the phone or to take to the emergency room:

• The victim’s age and weight
• The container or bottle of the poison if available
• The time of the poison exposure
• The address where the poisoning occurred.

About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital

Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 30 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customer-focused care. The new facility, which opened April 2012, is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs, Ark.

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