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DPH observes National Poison Prevention Week
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Posted on Mar 16 2001
In observance of the National Poison Prevention Week, the Department of Public Health and the PHI Pharmacy is hoping to work together to raise community awareness on the dangers of chemicals and other substances.
DPH and PHI Pharmacy is also working to provide parents and other caregivers information to prevent accidental poisoning incidents.
In a media statement, they said household cleaners, chemicals and medications are all too often linked in accidental poisonings in young children.
DPH emphasizes the importance of several good housekeeping rules that may help prevent accidental poisonings. It said:
• Keep all household cleaners, chemicals and medications in their original containers.
• Leave the original labels on all products and read the label carefully before using.
• Use products with child resistant packaging and properly close container after every use.
• Keep all chemicals and medicines locked up and out of sight.
• When cleaners, chemicals or medicines are being used never let young children out of your sight.
• Never refer to medicine as “Candy”.
• Periodically clean out the medicine cabinet and safely dispose of unneeded or expired medicines when the illness for which they were prescribed is over.
If a parent or caregiver suspects that a child may have accidentally ingested any household cleaner, chemical or medicine immediately call CHC emergency room at 234-8950 or direct at 236-8390.
For more information DPH and PHI pharmacists will be available all day on March 21 at the CHC lobby outside the PHI pharmacy. Further information and brochures will be available to promote a safe household environment by preventing accidental poisonings.
