Poision-Proofed? Think Again
“Anything can be toxic in the right amount,” says Tisha Carson, RPh, training coordinator in the Drug and Poison Information Center at Cincinnati Children’s. Even greener cleaning options, including vinegar and baking soda, pose hazards to children. Mrs. Carson recommends thinking “prevention” to keep your young ones out of harm’s way:
Hazards You Might Have Overlooked
- Button batteries (check in musical greeting cards)
- Garage items like pesticides and rock salt
- Windshield washer fluid and antifreeze, which can look like Kool-Aid® to kids
- Ointments, cosmetics or creams in purses and diaper bags
How to Protect Your Family
- Start child-proofing before your baby gets mobile, and keep it top-of-mind. Child-proofing is not a one-time thing.
- Get down at your child’s level, and poison-proof from the child’s perspective.
- Keep medications and cleaners on a high shelf. Use cabinet locks on low shelves. Remember some toddlers learn to open child locks.
- Avoid taking medicine in front of kids so they will be less likely to mimic you.
- Never store anything in a beverage container that’s not a beverage.
- Include basement, yard and garage in your poisonproofing.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on all levels of your home.
- Containers may be labeled “child-resistant,” but nothing is child-proof.
- Syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended for home use. Dispose of immediately.
Proper Disposal
- Rinse empty cleaner containers and throw away.
- Use your county’s hazardous drop-off site.
- Crush unused medications, bury in coffee grounds or kitty litter, then throw out.
