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Home › Articles › Safety › Accidental Poisonings

Accidental Poisonings

6 Things You Need to Know Now

By Alexandria Powell

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3. Know That "Child-resistant" Doesn't Mean "Childproof"
The CPSC estimates that child-resistant packaging has saved hundreds of lives since its introduction in the early 1970s. However, it is important to remember that child-resistant packaging can only make toxic substances more difficult to get into – not impossible. "Kids are good with their hands, and they can get into stuff you'd never imagine that they could get into," Weisenhahn says.

Weisenhahn advises parents to make good use of child-resistant packaging. Keep medicines and household products in their original containers, and make sure all lids are on tightly. "But even though you have child-resistant lids, you still have to put potential poisons up," he says. "You have to put them inside a locked cabinet, and you have to be conscious of where your kids are. You can't rely on a piece of plastic to stand between your child and something dangerous."

4. Know That Medications Are Among the Most Common Dangers
Kids under the age of 4 are more likely to be hospitalized after unintentionally swallowing medicines than all other unintentional injuries, Appy says.

All medicines, including over-the-counter medicines and vitamins, should be stored out of your child's reach in a cabinet or container closed with a child safety lock, Appy says. In addition, never refer to medicine as "candy," and avoid taking medicine in front of small children, as they may try to imitate you.

5. Know That the Rules for Syrup of Ipecac Have Changed
Once found in nearly every first-aid kit, syrup f ipecac is an over-the-counter drug used to induce vomiting. However, syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended.

"Both the American Association of Poison Control Centers and the American Academy of Pediatrics have determined that there is virtually no instance for which syrup of ipecac would be used in the home," Weisenhahn says. Syrup of ipecac doesn't empty the stomach contents as effectively as once thought, and it can actually make certain poisoning situations worse. For instance, if a child has ingested something that depresses her gag reflex, inducing vomiting will increase her risk of aspirating vomit into her lungs.


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