Poison-proof your environment

DID YOU know that this week is National Poisoning Prevention Week?

It is, by virtue of Proclamation No. 1777. This annual observance every fourth week of June aims to increase people’s awareness on the importance of poisoning prevention at home, school, work and the general environment. These days when people are mostly at home due to the quarantine, toxicology experts urge families to poison-proof their houses. Precautionary steps must be taken to protect everyone from being exposed to poisoning agents via ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption. Preventing members of our families from getting poisoned is better than cure, especially during these days when hospitals are preoccupied with COVID-19 cases.

While poisoning can affect persons in every age bracket, young children are known to be more susceptible to the toxic effects of poisons in the environment. They are more vulnerable to the injurious effects of poisonous substances than adults because their body defense systems are still undeveloped; they breathe more air, eat more food and drink more water in proportion to their weight. They have thinner skin, and they often put their hands and even objects, which may contain germs and chemical contaminants, in their mouths.

For safer, poison-proof homes, the Philippine Society of Clinical and Occupational Toxicology encourage households to observe preventive measures. For example, handle, use, store and dispose of products safely at all times. Read the product labels carefully, and be mindful of hazard pictograms and precautionary warnings, and follow safety instructions. The return all products to their proper storage immediately after use.

Never place poisonous products in beverage and food containers.  Keep them in their original containers. Store food and potential poisons in separate cabinets.

Keep medicines, bleaching, cleaning and laundry products, e-cigarette liquid refills, insecticides, paints, varnishes and thinners, and car maintenance materials out of children’s sight and reach in a securely locked cabinet or area.

Never allude to medicine as “candy,” “chocolate” or any other name that appeals to a child.

Safely get rid of unused, unwanted or expired medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Do not mix household cleaning products together to prevent the formation of dangerous fumes. Never reuse pesticide and other chemical containers for storing food and water.

Secure the battery compartment of games, toys and other items powered by small button-cell batteries, which can cause choking and chemical risk if ingested. Wash children’s toys and other play things regularly to lessen the risk of ingesting lead-containing dust and other environmental pollutants. Teach kids, too, how to safely use art materials such as crayons, water colors, glues and other adhesives and remind them not to eat or drink while doing their art assignments.

Also, be aware of plants inside and outside your home as some of them may be poisonous to children, as well as pets.

By taking steps to poison-proof our homes and educating our families about poisoning prevention, we can avoid life-threatening medical emergencies and unnecessary medical bills.

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