Poisonings can happen to anyone. In fact, just under half of the calls to poison centers involve children, however poisonings in teens, adults and older adults are increasing and tend to be more serious. Poison centers provide free, fast, confidential advice to anyone who needs us. We even can answer your poison related questions before an exposure occurs. Poison centers truly are for EVERYONE!
Examples of poisons may include:
- Medicines (prescriptions, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins)
- Household products (bleach, shampoo, antifreeze, bug and weed killers)
- Chemicals at your job
- Bites and stings
- Mushrooms and plants
- Fumes and gases
Babies and Young Children:
Young children and babies are very curious explorers whose world centers on taste, sight, touch, and smell making this group at high risk for a potential poisoning in the home. The most common sources of poisons for this age are everyday items such as cosmetics and personal care products, household cleaners, and pain medicines.
Tweens and Teens:
Older children and teens are risk takers and are often testing boundaries and limits and are influenced by social media challenges and dares. The most common poison exposures for this group are pain medication, antidepressants, and foreign bodies and toys (especially in ages 6-12 years).
Adults:
Adults get poisoned, too. Common substances include pain medication, sleep and anxiety medications, and antidepressants. Additionally, items that involve special handling or preparation, such as pesticides and cleaning products, are common exposures to adults.
Older Adults:
Many older adults may be prescribed several different medications and treatments, which can often lead to confusion and mistakes. The most common poison exposures in this group are heart medicines, pain medicines, and medicines for sleep or mood.
Quick Facts:
- Remember: there is no such thing as child-proof. Lock all medicines and household products out of sight and reach of children.
- Don’t guess….Be sure! Read labels on all medicines and products before use.
- If you suspect a poisoning, don’t wait! Call the Poison Help line to receive free, fast, and confidential poison information by calling one of our specially trained nurses and pharmacists at: 1-800-222-1222. You can also "program" the phone number into your phone for fast dialing access.
