ORLANDO, Fla. – March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month and a poison is any substance that can cause harm or death, but not all poisons are obvious.
Each year more than two million people are reported accidentally poisoned in the U.S. and an estimated 75,000 children under the age of five end up in the ER from poisoning. Some are fatal and most are preventable.
Whether it’s your eye shadow, toothpaste, hair care products, nail polish remover, or hand sanitizer, all these things contain harmful chemicals that if ingested in large enough amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Even some hair dyes can cause severe burns in the mouth and esophagus.
Most of us have some type of pain medication in the house. Whether it’s over the counter acetaminophen or prescribed meds, a small dose can cause permanent liver damage, and even kill a child.
Cleaning products often come in bright bottles that kids can’t help but notice. One in particular to lock up are laundry pods. Reports show that poison control centers receive one call every 42 minutes claiming a child has eaten one.
According to the CDC, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of poisoning death. A place it comes from within your home is a gas range. Those most at risk are people with asthma.
Remember to keep your pets safe too. Some things you may not realize are poisonous to pets include diffusers with eucalyptus, cinnamon, and peppermint oils. The vapers can have significant health effects on your pets if inhaled. Pets can also get poisoned from inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke.
If you suspect that you or someone else has been poisoned, don’t wait for signs of poisoning. Immediately call the poison control help line on 800-222-1222.
When it comes to food, old potatoes that have a greenish cast under the skin are toxic. The color comes from a substance called solanine. Kidney beans, especially red kidney beans, contain toxins called lectins. As little as four or five raw red kidney beans can cause stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. Be sure to cook them thoroughly.
Also, beware of black licorice. When you dig into a package of black licorice, you’re snacking on small amounts of poison. Black licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin and can cause a person’s potassium levels to drop.
People over 40, or those who have heart disease or high blood pressure, are more likely to have this problem. It takes eating about two ounces per day for at least two weeks to see the effect.