PRINTER FRIENDLYSafety Topic of the Month: March 2010
National Poison Prevention Week: March 14-20
More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 61 Poison Control Centers (PCCs) across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The Utah Department of Health reports 21.3 Utah deaths from poisoning each year per 100,000 residents. The national average is 11 per 100,000 people, the department reported.
Many of these Utah deaths are linked to prescription drug overdoses, thought it's often difficult to tell whether the overdoses were intentional, according to Utah health officials. Between 1999 and 2007, the number of deaths attributed to prescription pain medications rose more than 500 percent, according to the Utah Health Department.
Safety Tips for preventing accidental medication overdoses.
- Keep all medications in their original packages. Packaging includes proper dosage information.
- Always read the label before using and follow the instructions on medicines their proper use.
- It is recommended that caretakers write down the time that each medicine is given so that the next caretaker will know exactly when to give the next dose.
- Store medicines out of reach and out of sight of small children and pets.
- When you are using medicines, never let them out of your sight, even if you must take them along when answering the telephone or doorbell.
- Store all medicines separately from household products and away from food.
- Never refer to medicine as candy to a young child.
- Avoid taking medication in front of small children.
- Turn on a light when taking or giving medication.
- Clean out your medicine cabinet periodically.
- Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container securely after each use. Remember, that this type of packaging is “child-resistant,” not “childproof.” It's not a substitute for keeping products securely out of reach of young children.
- Warning: First Aid instructions on product labels are often incorrect or dangerous.
- Know where to call for help. Post the Poison Control Center phone number (1-800-222-1222), along with other emergency numbers, by every land phone in your home and enter them into your cell phone's address book.
The U.S. Congress established National Poison Prevention Week in 1961. National Poison Prevention Week, the third week in March each year, is a week nationally designated to highlight the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. However, every day people can and do prevent poisonings. We invite you to become actively involved in helping ensure the safety of children and adults in your home and your community.
