Poison Prevention for Kids
Accidental Poisoning Is a Leading Danger for Children
Accidents are the leading cause of death in children under the age of 14. Every year, more than 1 million young children are exposed to potential poisons, many of which seem harmless at first glance. The good news? With the right poison safety tips, these incidents are completely preventable.
At the Iowa Poison Control Center, we’re here to help parents and caregivers learn how to keep their children safe from accidental poisoning. Our mission is to spread poison awareness, offer support, and be a trusted resource in times of need. Let's prioritize child safety by equipping our kids with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.
Poison Prevention Basics
Poisons are everywhere. They hide in medicine cabinets, under the kitchen sink, in garages, and even in yards. Cleaning products, medicines, cosmetics, and even some plants are common poisons that kids can easily access.
Poisons can be sneaky. Many dangerous substances look, smell, or even taste appealing to children. Medicine might look like candy, or mouthwash might smell like mint. That’s why child safety depends on teaching kids to recognize and avoid these hazards.
Poison exposure can happen in different ways:
- Swallowing harmful substances
- Inhaling toxic fumes
- Skin contact with chemicals
- Eye exposure to irritants
Symptoms of poisoning aren't always immediate. It may take minutes or even hours for signs to show. That’s why it's critical to act fast and call for poison help right away.
Watch Out for These Common Household Poisons
Here are some items to store safely and out of children’s reach:
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Cleaning supplies and disinfectants
- Nail polish remover and mouthwash
- Batteries and e-cigarette liquid
- Pesticides and fertilizers
- Alcohol and personal care products
These everyday products pose serious risks to kids. Always use child-resistant packaging and keep products in their original packaging.
What to Do in a Poisoning Emergency
If you suspect your child has come into contact with a poison:
- Take away the poison. If it’s safe, get it away from your child.
- Provide basic first aid. Give water if ingested, wash the skin or flush eyes if exposed, and move to fresh air if inhaled.
- Call for help immediately. Dial the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 or call 911. Stay as calm as possible and explain what happened.
Poison Prevention Tips for Families
- Save the Poison Hotline Number: 1-800-222-1222. This number connects you to your local poison control center 24/7. Registered nurses and pharmacists are available around the clock to offer free poison help to anyone who calls.
- Safe Storage is Key: Keep potential poisonous substances out of the reach of children and in child-resistant packaging and containers.
- Educate Your Kids Early: Teach them what poison is, how it can hurt them, and what to do if they suspect a poisoning.
Let’s Work Together to Keep Kids Safe
Poison prevention is a team effort. By educating ourselves and our kids, we can prevent tragedies and keep our homes safe. The team at the Iowa Poison Control Center is here for you, day or night, ready to answer questions and respond to any poisoning emergency.