NEWS RELEASE--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: March 18, 2013
Contact: Niki Forbing-Orr
Public Information Officer
Protect your family from accidental poisonings
Accidental poisoning is the third leading cause of unintentional deaths among Idahoans, with children younger than 5 being most at risk. Accidental poisoning or exposure to harmful substances caused the deaths of 117 Idaho residents in 2011. That same year the regional poison control center responded to 16,000 poisoning calls from Idaho residents.
This week is National Poison Prevention week, and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine, the Idaho Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and Idaho Childcare centers will conduct education about the dangers of accidental poisonings and prevention strategies.
Tips to help keep children safe from poisoning:
The leading causes of poisoning in Idaho children are pain killers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen; creams and ointments such as diaper cream; foreign bodies, particularly toys; drying agents such as the silica gel packets found in packaging; cosmetic and personal care products; and household cleaning and automotive products. Most of these poisoning exposures occur in a child’s home.
Free poison prevention materials are available from 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine for parents, educators and service providers. Materials include Mr. Yuk stickers and magnets that can be used to signal adults and children that an item is poisonous. You can also order the DVD “STOP, Ask First” that emphasizes the message of always having children stop and ask an adult before touching, tasting, or smelling anything. Printable materials are also available for download and include brochures, poster contest information, poison prevention week letters, and presentation packet items.
For more information about National Poison Prevention Week or to order materials call 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588, visit the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine website at www.idahocareline.org and look for the Mr. Yuk sticker on the right side of the page, or email your request to email@example.com.