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Other Types of Accidental Poisonings and Exposures

Other Types of Accidental Poisonings and Exposures

Accidental poisonings cover a broad spectrum of populations and exposures. From the toddler ingesting something they found in the yard to medication errors to insect bites, the routes and exposure to toxic are almost endless. Some types of poisonings may not be apparent, and can cause irreparable damage if not caught in time.

As stated in the previous post on household chemical emergencies, poison control center is the fastest way to find out about what to do if you suspect any sort of exposure. Their online tool can help identify if there is a poison emergency and what to do They even have an app you can download for your phone to expedite the process.

According to The National Poison Control Center:

In 2020, the 55 U.S. poison control centers provided telephone guidance for over 2.1 million human poison exposures.

 That’s about: 

  • 6.4 poison exposures/1000 population,
  • 37.9 poison exposures in children younger than 6 years/1000 children,
  • 1 poison exposure reported to U.S. poison control centers every 15 seconds

Adults comprised almost half of all exposures (47%), followed by children younger than 6 (39%), then teens (8%).

Types of exposures

Our previous post on household chemical exposures details what to do if you or your loved one is exposed to common household chemicals. Below are some other types of accidental poisonings:

The most common types of poisonings in children:

  • cosmetics and personal care products
  • cleaning substances and laundry products
  • pain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC)
  • foreign bodies such as toys and toy parts, coins, and thermometers
  • topical preparations like rash creams
  • vitamins and supplements
  • antihistamines
  • pesticides
  • plants
  • antimicrobials like antibiotics

Most dangerous types of poisonings for children:

  • Medications– Over the counter and prescription medications- Remember, there is no such thing as a child proof container. Store all medications out of the reach of children. Do not store medicine in any container other than its original packaging. 
    • Carbon monoxide poisoning Not all poisons are swallowed; some are inhaled, or breathed in. Carbon monoxide gas is in fact an invisible killer. It has no color or odor. Take it seriously. Make sure there’s a carbon monoxide alarm in every sleeping area of your home.
    • Button batteries (sometimes called disc batteries) can be found in musical greeting cards, remote controls, key fobs, and other small electronic devices. Be especially mindful of the 20 mm lithium coin cell battery. When swallowed by a child, especially one younger than 4 years, it often lodges in the esophagus causing burns within just 2 hours. A hole in the esophagus may develop and the burn can extend into the trachea or aorta. More than 60 children have died from ingesting button batteries.
  • Iron pills  are very dangerous for children to ingest. A child can start throwing up blood or have bloody diarrhea within an hour of ingestion
  • Cleaning products (covered in previous post)
  • Nail glue and primer (used in artificial nails, etc)
  • Hydrocarbons: This is a broad category that includes gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil, motor oil, lighter fluid, furniture polish, and paint thinner.
  • Wild mushrooms: Many types of mushrooms grow in many areas of the country. Some are deadly to eat.
  • Alcohol: When children swallow alcohol, they can have seizures, go into a coma, or even die. This is true no matter where the alcohol comes from. Mouthwash, facial cleaners, and hair tonics can have as much alcohol in them as alcoholic beverages.
  • Drain cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners: These caustics cause devastating burns to the mouth, throat and stomach. Drain cleaners may be strongly alkaline and toilet bowl cleaners may be strong acids. If swallowed, they must be diluted immediately to limit the damage that rapidly occurs.
  • Topical anesthetics: These medicines can cause seizures or a condition called methemoglobinemia which keeps the blood from carrying oxygen to the tissues. Be especially careful with teething gels, hemorrhoid preparations, anti-itch creams, and sunburn relief agents.

The most common types of poison exposures in adults:

  • pain medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC)
  • sedatives, hypnotics, antipsychotics
  • antidepressants
  • cardiovascular drugs
  • cleaning substances (household)
  • alcohols
  • pesticides
  • bites -ticks, spiders, bees, snakes)
  • anticonvulsants
  • cosmetics and personal care products

What to do if suspected poisoning:

If unconscious, vomiting, seizures, or other signs of distress immediately call 911, then contact via phone, app or online tool the poison control center for guidance. Do not immediately try to induce vomiting until you contact them. Some chemicals are caustic and can cause damage to the esophagus if vomited. 

Action Plan:

On the refrigerator or other conspicuous place:

  • Keep an envelope with a list of medications and allergies for each family member
  • Keep a list of medications and allergies on refrigerator for each family member
  • Post poison control center phone number 1-800-222-1222
  • Post primary care provider name and number
  • Speak with primary care provider about keeping syrup of Ipecac on hand to induce vomiting.

 

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

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Are You Prepared For Household Chemical Emergencies?

Almost every household has some products that contain hazardous materials or chemicals. Knowing how to handle and store these products and what to do if someone is improperly exposed to them can help reduce injury.

Prevention is key. Before an emergency occurs, make sure to store household chemicals in places where children and pets cannot get to them. Also make sure you have the national poison control number saved in your cell phone or posted common areas or near landlines.

National Poison Control Phone: 1-800-222-1222

Down below is a list of common household chemicals:

  • Aerosol cans – may include cleaning supplies, but also consider hairspray or deodorant as well
  • Nail polish or nail polish remover
  • Cleaning products and furniture polishes
  • Laundry detergent and bleach
  • Automotive products like oil, windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze
  • Flammable products like kerosene, heating oil, propane tanks and lighter fluid
  • Lawn and garden supplies like pesticides, herbicides and insecticides
  • Workshop or painting supplies like paint thinner
  • Common household items like batteries, mercury thermometers, and fluorescent light bulbs

Storage of hazardous or dangerous chemicals is of utmost importance. Again, only store household chemicals in places where children and pets cannot get to them. Make sure they are out of reach and have a lock or child proof fastener to prevent accidental openings.

Other storage pearls to consider:

  • Keep all chemicals in their original containers and never remove the labels. If a container is corroding, it should be repackaged and clearly labeled
  • Never store hazardous chemicals in food containers
  • Make sure to dispose of chemicals correctly and never mix household chemicals. For example, bleach and ammonia may react and ignite or explode.
  • Never use products near an open flame
  • Clean up spills immediately. Allow fumes in rags to evaporate in a well ventilated area or outdoors before properly disposing of them

If there is a chemical spill or emergency in your home, make sure to follow these steps:

  • Get out immediately if there is danger of fire or explosion
  • Stay upwind and away from residences to avoid further exposure and breathing toxic fumes
  • Monitor yourself and others for signs of toxic poisoning, which may include:
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Changes to skin color
    • Headaches or blurry vision
    • Irritation of eyes, skin, throat, or respiratory tract
    • Dizziness, clumsiness or lack of coordination
    • Cramps or diarrhea
  • Call the national poison control phone number if you think someone is experiencing any symptoms.
  • Follow instructions from the emergency dispatcher. Do not give anything by mouth unless advised to do so.

After a chemical emergency, discard all clothing and materials that have been contaminated. Some chemicals do not wash out fully.

 

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

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Are You Prepared For A Cyber Security Attack?

Cyber security is more important than ever as more and more personal information is available online. 

Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access information or damage a computer or network system. Cyberattacks can lead to information leaks, money loss or theft of sensitive information. On a larger scale, it can affect organizations, communities and the nation.

Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting and responding to cyberattacks. Taking a few small steps can make your information more secure and can prevent loss of finances and valuable information.

Here are a list of steps to take to protect yourself and your information:

  • Limit the amount of information you share online and change privacy settings to not use location services.
  • Make sure to update software, applications, and operating systems up to date.
  • Create strong passwords. Use Upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. 
  • Do not use the same password for multiple accounts.
  • Use a password manager and two methods of verification whenever possible.
  • When in doubt do NOT click on unknown links, especially if they ask for personal information. More than 90% of successful cyber attacks start with a phishing email.
  • Protect your home or business by using a secure internet connection and Wi-Fi network. 
  • Change passwords frequently
  • Don’t share PINs or passwords.
  • Use devices with biometric scans when possible.
  • Check your account summaries and credit reports regularly.
  • If you do have to share personal or financial information online, make sure it is a secure site that begins with https://. Using a virtual private network (VPN) can also provide a secure connection.
  • Use antivirus (ex: Norton), antimalware (ex: Malwarebytes), and firewalls to block threats.
  • Back up your files regularly in encrypted files.
  • The government will NOT call, text, or contact you via social media about owing money.

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

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Winter Weather Is Coming… Are You Prepared?

Winter is a great time to snuggle up by the fire, have a mug of hot chocolate, or make a snowman, but colder temperatures can also create a higher risk for car accidents, hypothermia, and frostbite. Winter storms and inclement weather can last for days and leave you without power, heat, or communication services which can leave older people, children, or sick people at greater risk. 

There are some easy steps to take now to prepare yourself, family, and your home for the upcoming winter weather so you are best protected.

It is important to be prepared for winter weather at your home, work, and in your car. 

HOME/WORK

Prepare your home and/or work space to keep out cold weather with proper insulation, caulking, weather stripping, etc. Make sure you know how to keep pipes from freezing and install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery back-ups. Make sure you have supplies in case you get stranded or need to stay in one place for several days without power. Consider extra water, non perishable snacks, extra batteries, flashlights and a radio, but also consider the needs of each person and pet in your family and what they may need, like certain medications or specific supplies. Limit your time outside if possible. If you need to go outside, make sure you are prepared with appropriate clothing and monitor for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

CAR

In your car it is important to have some emergency supplies which might include:

  • Jumper cables
  • Sand or cat litter
  • Flashlight
  • Warm clothes
  • Blankets
  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable snacks

Try and avoid traveling if possible when inclement weather is approaching. If you need to travel, make sure you have a full tank of gas just in case you get stranded. If you do get stranded in your car, avoid going outside if possible.

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

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Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Prepare with a Toilet Kit

One of the most neglected but perhaps most important in preparing for disasters is personal hygiene and toileting. There are many common and preventable diseases spread from feces not handled properly. If the water supply is limited or not available, the decision on water use for drinking or handwashing becomes apparent. Following a natural disaster (hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes) the leading causes of illness and death are diarrheal and respiratory infections. Infections spread rapidly when there isn’t adequate waste disposable available.

During a major disaster, basic services such as electricity and water service are likely to stop. Sometimes these services stop or are severely disrupted for extended periods of time.

Hurricane Fiona, which has plunged Puerto Rico into darkness and no water is a recent example of a natural disaster. As of this writing 760,000 residents are either without water or suffering significant disruptions of running water. This is a human disaster of epic proportions.

When being forced to decide between using water for personal hygiene or drinking, the answer becomes very apparent. We need daily intake of clean water to survive.

Set up buckets

Before the disaster: Remember, when preparing, 2 is one and one is none. Also be aware that it is wise to have 2 buckets ready in case someone does become ill while waiting for services to be restored.

  • Have a ready set up 2 5-gallon buckets with lids attached. These set ups are easily found at your local Walmart, camping store and even some hardware stores that carry camping supplies. Inside each bucket place:
    • A ziplock bag with several pairs disposable gloves
    • Personal wipes or baby wipes
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Toilet paper
    • Large towels to place under buckets
    • Several heavy duty 13 gallon bags that can line the bucket for safe disposal after use. Double line the buckets.
    • Pine shavings for odor control, these can be found in feed stores. Put a large handful in several ziplock bags
    • I have experience with the pooh bags and deodorizers sold in camping stores and online. These are a good choice for temporary camping outings. The bags are usually biodegradable, and they do fall apart if left for any amount of time. For extended periods of service disruptions using pine shavings and regular, disposable kitchen garbage bags work a lot better.
  • If privacy is an issue, purchase a pop-up shower privacy tent. Set up one of the portable toilets in it. Place a towel or small rug inside on the floor, to avoid movement.

Set up double bagged buckets, apply a handful of shavings to the bottom. Have a box with the other supplies in it readily available. After each use apply shavings on top of the waste. When halfway full, put on gloves and securely tie up the waste and dispose. Remove gloves, use hand sanitizer or if available thoroughly wash hands with clean water and soap.

A 1:10 bleach 1 part bleach to 10 parts water solution to clean the bucket and lid  between uses is a good practice.

 

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

Planning a Cruise?

Planning a Cruise?

Be sure to pack these Jase add-ons An outbreak of vomiting and diarrhea has been reported on the luxury cruise ship, the Queen Victoria. As of last count, at least 154 people have taken ill since the ship set sail in early January. The number of passengers on board...

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Could you be next?Early this week an Oregon resident was diagnosed with bubonic plague. This is the first diagnosed case in nearly a decade. It is believed the person contracted the disease from their cat. Cats that hunt rodents can become infected and spread the...

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

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