MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

March 18, 2013

                    

LHSC offers tips to keep children safe from accidental poisoning

LONDON, Ontario – It is estimated that seven children (under the age of 14) die every year in Canada from poisoning and approximately 1,700 are hospitalized for poison related injuries. To recognize National Poison Prevention Week, London Health Sciences Centre’s Trauma Program is sharing important tips to help keep children safe from accidental harm.

 

Poison is defined as any substance that causes harm to the body if swallowed, inhaled or in contact with skin or mucous membranes. Some substances are also poisonous if they are injected. Poisons can cause a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from a mild reaction to a serious illness or even possible death.   

 

Tips to keep children safe from poisoning:

 

Safe Use:

•          Do not take medication in front of your children as kids tend to imitate others

•          Do not refer to medication as candy

•          Take and give medications as prescribed and read labels carefully

•          Check expiration dates

 

Safe Storage:

•          Lock up all medications, household cleaners, alcohol, fertilizers, pesticides, paint thinners and 

            anti-freeze

•          Keep all medications and household products in their original containers/packaging

•          Do not keep your medication in the bathroom as heat and moisture can spoil them

 

Safe Disposal:

•          Clear out old prescriptions and expired medications

•          Do not throw old/expired medications in the garbage or down the toilet

•          Return unused medication to your pharmacist for safe disposal

 

What to do if someone is poisoned:

 

•          Be careful not to taste, touch or breathe in the poison yourself

•          Call the Poison Centre

•          If the person is unconscious, convulsing, or having trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911

            immediately

 

Ontario Poison Control contact information:

Phone Number:  416-813-5900 

Toll-Free:  1-800-268-9017 

Teletype:  416-597-0215 or 1-877-750-2233 

Website:  www.ontariopoisoncentre.com 

 

 

Sources:

Ontario Poison Centre. (2007). Education: for families.

Safe Kids Canada. (2007). Child and youth unintentional injury: 10 years in review, 1994-2003.

 

 

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For media inquiries contact:                                                               

Kathy Leblanc

Corporate Communications and Public Relations

London Health Sciences Centre

519-685-8500, ext. 74772

kathy.leblanc@lhsc.on.ca

 

After-hours assistance:

Call LHSC Switchboard at 519-685-8500 and ask to page the communication consultant on-call

 

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