Q: What is the new national number for poison centers across the country?
A: No matter where you live in the United States, Americans now are able to access a life-saving resource toll-free by calling 1-800-222-1222. Regardless from where you call, Iowans using the poison hotline will be routed to the nearest local poison control center. For 24 hours a day, seven days a week, trained health care professionals are standing by to take emergency phone calls from parents, child care providers and others who may have ingested, breathed in or come into contact with a poisonous substance, bite or sting. Most poisonings involve everyday household items such as cleaning supplies, medicines, cosmetics and personal care items. The lion’s share of poison exposures occurs at home and more than three-fourths may be treated on site where they occurred through the advice and assistance provided by local poison control experts on the phone. The service is free-of-charge and confidential.
Q: What steps can be taken to safeguard one’s family from accidental poisoning?
A: First, protect children by clearing away products that may cause harm to children when used improperly. More than half of all poison exposures occurs in children under the age of six. Double-check the garage, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom where potentially harmful substances are stored, including lawn and garden pesticides, lighter fluid, oven cleaner, furniture polish, toilet cleaner, nail products, and mouthwash. Keep household cleaning agents, medicines and cosmetics out of the reach of curious eyes and hands. Store products in original containers. Discard outdated products. Take the same precautions with over-the-counter drugs as prescription medicines. Don’t tell your kids medicine tastes like candy. Registered nurses and pharmacists who staff the poison control centers are able to offer recommendations to callers regarding treatments for poisonings, bites and stings, food poisoning, pill and plant identifications, animal poisonings, drug overdoses and poison prevention. Contact the poison hotline for poison prevention materials, phone stickers and other helpful tips. Or download information from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at http://www.aapcc.org. Keeping the new national poison hotline number handy could save the life of a loved one. Remember to call 1-800-222-1222 for poison prevention and treatment information.