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Program vs. poisoning strengthened
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Posted on Mar 16 2001
Household cleaners and other substances used routinely in home are the primary cause of increasing number of childhood poisoning cases each year.
Department of Pharmacy Services Director Anthony Raho said children are usually inquisitive and household chemicals should always be kept out of children’s reach.
Since 1961, United States has been celebrating the Poison Prevention Week to educate millions of people on the hazards of household chemicals and the increasing number of children victimized.
Yesterday, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio signed a proclamation endorsing March 18-24 as National Poison Prevention Week and urged the public to observe the celebration and learn how to protect the children.
Each year, unintentional poisoning from medicines, household cleaners, even mouthwash and hand sanitizers kill about 30 children per year and prompt over 1 million telephone calls to the nation’s poison centers and emergency rooms.
“Our children are exposed to many dangers, including some which cannot foresee or prevent, however, accidental poisoning can be avoided and prevented,” Dr. Raho said.
The goal of National Poison Prevention Week is to raise community awareness of the dangers of unintentional childhood poisoning and the simple steps that may be taken to prevent them from happening.
The Department of Public Health’s Pharmacy Services also listed three most important safety messages to prevent unintentional poisoning which include usage of products with child-resistant packaging and to keep household cleaners and chemicals out of reach.
Mr. Tenorio said parents, grandparents and caregivers should properly be educated on how to prevent unintentional poisoning and to be aware of the seriousness of the problem.
The governor also urged the public to visit Commonwealth Health Center this week to get additional information and materials that promote safe household environment. (EGA)
