Poisoning Hazards for Fall

Back to school, back to the morning rush. Changes in schedules and the added chaos of the holidays, can create opportunities for poison mistakes.

Medicine

Back to school, back to the morning rush! The start of the school year means a shift in morning routines for your entire household. Changes in schedules and the added chaos of getting kids to school on time creates opportunities for poisoning mistakes. Follow these tips to avoid these all-too-common medicine mix ups:

• Read and follow the medicine label every time to make sure you are giving the right medicine, the right amount, at the right time.
• Measure carefully and remember to always use the dosing device that comes with the medicine.
• Teach children that they should only take medicine from a trusted grown-up.
• Write clear instructions for other people who give your child medicine. Communicate with other caregivers to prevent double-dosing errors.
• Always lock the child safety cap completely. Put all medicines up, away and out of sight after every use.
• Program the Poison Helpline in your phone, 1-800-222-1222, and remember you can call with questions.

If your child needs medications during school hours, make sure that you are familiar with the school’s medication policy. Most districts require all medications to be distributed by the school nurse or authorized personnel.

• Ask your pharmacist to divide your child's medication into 2 bottles, each with its own label so that 1 can be kept at home and 1 can be kept at the school.
• All medication should be transported to the school by an adult. Do not send medication in your child’s backpack or lunchbox. Giving your child control of the medication puts them and other children at risk.
  
  

Art Supplies

Children often use art products (e.g., glue, paint, ink) at home, school and day care. These art products are mixtures of chemicals. Most products on the market today are nontoxic; however, some products can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Make sure children use products safely by reading labels carefully, following the directions for safe use and disposal, and cleaning up tables, desks, and counters.

Hand Sanitizer

Classrooms often have large pump bottles of hand sanitizer and children’s backpacks have small, travel-size hand sanitizer as an attachment. It is important for parents to teach proper use of these products as they contain alcohol and can be irritating to children if used improperly. To safely use, put a dollop of the hand sanitizer into the palm of the hand and rub them together until they feel dry, which is about 20 seconds.