Jacksonville, Fla. – As the seasons change, so does the potential for poisoning hazards. During the fall months, the Florida Poison Information Center/Jacksonville recognizes a decrease in calls regarding accidental sunscreen ingestion and spider bites but an increase in calls resulting from health and beauty aids, antifreeze, carbon monoxide and other potential fall poisoning hazards.
“With the arrival of cooler weather, children spend more time indoors, often exploring kitchen cabinets and medicine chests. Take the time to educate your children and yourself on potential dangers in and around your home,” recommends Jay Schauben, Pharm.D., a University of Florida clinical professor of pharmacy and director of the center.
Several common fall poisoning hazards are listed below.
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Health and beauty aids: Cough and cold medications may contain antihistamines, decongestants, or cough suppressants, which may cause drowsiness or extreme agitation in children. Some also contain aspirin, acetaminophen, or alcohol. Also, antibiotics, which are prescribed to treat infections, often come in pleasant-tasting liquids and must be stored in a refrigerator, where children have easy access to them.
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Halloween treats: Check all Halloween treats thoroughly before allowing children to eat them. Throw away unwrapped candy or fruits and watch for fading, holes, tears or signs of re-wrapping or tampering. Some treats, like chocolate for example, may be poisonous to pets.
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Glow jewelry: If ingested, the fluid from the glow jewelry or glow sticks can be irritating to the mouth. Children may also accidentally swallow the small glow sticks.
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Plants and berries: It’s important to know the names of plants in and around your home to determine their potential toxicity. In case of accidental ingestion, keep a list of indoor and outdoor plants available. If you are unable to identify a plant, take a small clipping to your local plant nursery.
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School supplies: When purchasing school supplies for children, make sure that you buy non-toxic glue, pens, paints and felt tip markers. Teach your children to be careful when using art and hobby materials.
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Carbon monoxide: A colorless and odorless gas, carbon monoxide may be produced by car and truck exhaust leaks, improperly working furnaces, gas-fueled hot water heaters or wood stoves. Attempting to heat a home with a gas stove or oven also can produce it. This gas can produce symptoms that resemble the flu, including headache, nausea, sleepiness and vomiting.
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Antifreeze: Because antifreeze tastes sweet, children and pets may drink large amounts that have been left in open containers or spilled on the pavement. Most antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, and if swallowed, can cause severe illness and possibly lead to death. Antifreeze containing propylene glycol is a safer option.
For a free Poison Center emergency telephone sticker and other poison prevention educational materials, call the administrative line at (904) 244-4465.
FPIC, based on the campus of Shands Jacksonville, provides poisoning assessment and treatment advice through a nationwide, toll-free number, 1-800-222-1222. Anyone who suspects a poisoning exposure should immediately call the poison center, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. FPIC serves 42 counties in the northern and eastern coastal regions of the state and the U.S.Virgin Islands.
FPIC is a cooperative effort between Shands Jacksonville, the University of Florida College of Medicine, the University of Florida Health Science Center/Jacksonville and the State of Florida, Department of Health.