Poisonings: A Number to Know
As I just finished reading a newly published article about unintentional child poisonings in this month's journal Pediatrics, I realize I haven't shared with you all a favorite reference of mine that happens to be available to anyone within the United States - The Poison Control Center. And even though the number of fatal poisonings involving children less than 5 years of age has significantly decreased from more than 200 per year to less than 35 per year over the last 3 decades, nonfatal poisonings in this age range continue to occur at alarming numbers. But before I describe this invaluable agency in greater detail, I thought it might be worthwhile to share with you some of the more interesting findings in this study:
- In 2004, there were over 86,000 poisonings of children less than 5 years of age treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments (EDs). This then translates to for every 100,000 children less than 5 years of age, there were nearly 430 poisonings evaluated in an ED.
- Of these poisonings, over two-thirds of the involved children were either 1 or 2 years of age and 13% of the total number children evaluated required hospitalization.
- Nearly 60% of the poisonings involved either oral prescription or non-prescription drugs or supplements. Cleaning product poisonings occurred in 13% and ointments (those which are used topically) occurred in nearly 5% of this population.
So while we take all the appropriate measures to prevent our children from being exposed to any possible poisons, we must not forget these harmful toxins can come in any form (solid, spray, liquid), color and being poisoned can come from eating, drinking, touching, or even smelling the substance.
And what about this poison control center I've been mentioning? Well, each state has its own poison control system in place to provide you with expert advice and direction for anyone (both young and old) exposed to poisons, toxins, and/or hazardous substances. Furthermore, each phone call is free and the pharmacists, physicians, and nurses who are made available to answer your questions are there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.
And the number...well, it's 1-800-222-1222. So put it on your fridge, your house phone's speed dial, and your cell phone as well. It is one number that one day may help save a life of someone you know.
Dr. Jeremy
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try to avoid bad neighborhoods. if your neighbors are dumping the chemicals used in making methamphetamine around your yard, you can get sick and die.
this is mainly only a problem if you drink well water. an eldery couple died because this happened to them.
By NUMBER4940 December 24, 2008 4:02pm
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Hey lets not forget the accumulative posionings. Those that come from the "home cleaning" supplies sold in stores? Remember the warning labels? Well, how many times do children get into places they are not supposed to get? How much time does an infant spend on the floor? Those noxious fumes tend to settle where? Oh you can't see it? Hmmm
I do believe that bleach is one of the worst products to come out of a store. Why does the USEPA say that "in door" pollution is 4-8 times worse than outdoor pollution? Is there a chance that we could remove those problems and have healthier children?
By folsomkid December 23, 2008 9:54pm
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Sara,
You are abosolutely correct and I do hope everyone hears your message. Thank you for your input.
By DrJeremy December 23, 2008 2:32am
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Dear Dr. Jeremy: Thank you for the excellent health education article about poison centers. As the former director of two regional poison centers, I know that this is an excellent time of year to remind people about childhood poisonings. It is educational efforts such as yours which have helped decrease childhood morbidity and mortality related to poisonings.
However, poison centers do not only deal with pediatric emergencies. They also deal with HAZMAT situations, suicide attempts, and work related exposures. Much of our work is related to prevention, therefore even people who do not have regular contact with young children should be aware of this resource.
Thanks for your excellent job of poison prevention and education.
Yours truly,
SARA
By shakysara December 22, 2008 2:56pm
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Dear Dr. Jeremy: As the former Director of two regional poison centers, I appreciate your doing health education about the ramifications and frequency of poisonings. This is an excellent time of year to remind people of poisonings since most occur when people are distracted by work, weather, parties, company and a number of other factors. Poison Centers do not only treat children, they are also a resource for HAZMAT accidents, suicide attempts, and industrial poisonings. Thanks for the excellent article. SARA
By shakysara December 22, 2008 2:45pm
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Thank you
By BazLazarus December 21, 2008 6:46pm
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I like your posts, They are on all the topics a worrywart like me appreciates.
By Thriver December 19, 2008 5:48pm
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I've attached a link for poison control phone numbers through out the world...thanks to the World Health Organization.
http://www.who.int/ipcs/poisons/ce...
Dr. Jeremy
By DrJeremy December 19, 2008 10:40am
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Excellent stuff!! And I apologise for sounding all pissy
By BazLazarus December 19, 2008 7:08am
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Great information. Also taking toxic products out of the homes, workplace etc, will create a safer environment, which in turn means we will fewer cases of asthma and allergies, and also many auto-immune diseases.
By enimary December 18, 2008 11:01pm
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Baz,
Great point. I'll see what I can come up with. And I'd like to think we're going global here at DS.
By DrJeremy December 18, 2008 12:43pm
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What about the UK? or are we staying totally USA-centric?
By BazLazarus December 18, 2008 12:16pm