Text Box: According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, a child is poisoned every 30 seconds in the United States. That is just the statistic for children, but they are not the only ones in danger. All of us need to be armed with the information to prevent these accidental poisonings to protect the children in our lives, our loved ones, and ourselves. Poisons come in many different forms, and we must consider all of them to properly protect ourselves from danger. Solid poisons may be medicines, powder dishwasher and laundry detergent, or fertilizers. Liquid poisons include dish soap, lighter fluid, and all liquid cleaning products. Examples of spray poisons are spray paint and insecticides, and invisible poisons can be vehicle exhaust or carbon monoxide from furnaces. The most important information we can have about accidental poisonings is how to prevent them. There are different approaches we can take when considering poison prevention in children and adults, but some general practices will help to prevent poisoning in all ages: Keep all potential poisons in their original containers Store food & chemicals in separate areas Discard old or outdated chemical products To protect children: Store potential poisons out of reach and lock cabinets

Text Box: Do not leave children unattended while using cleaning products, especially if interrupted Teach children about poisonous substances and label them appropriately To protect adults: Read & follow directions and caution labels Never mix chemical products together Turn on fans and open windows when using potential poisons indoors Never sniff containers to identify a product Although these techniques will go far to prevent accidental poisonings, we still need to be prepared in case an incident does occur. There are several steps to keep in mind if a poisoning does occur: Most Important: REMAIN CALM Call the poison control center: 1-800-222-1222

Poison Prevention—You Can Be the Solution

Contributed by: Christina D. Weaver, Pharm.D. Candidate

UMKC School of Pharmacy

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Our mission is to empower our patients with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding their health and optimize the use of their medications through screenings, seminars, and consultations.

We will serve as a knowledgeable and trustworthy source by providing drug and health-related information in a confidential and professional manner.

Text Box: Co-edited by: Sarah Kerner, Pharm.D. Miranda Wilhelm, Pharm.D. Tammy Stack, Pharm.D.

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