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Poison Control
Emergency number: 1-800-222-1222
Household Products: Be alert to signs that your child is suffering from exposure to common household products such as carpet cleaners, bug sprays, lawn and garden chemicals, hair spray, perfume, cleaners or disinfectants. Every year, for example, children suffer potentially dangerous reactions to carpet cleaning products. We know of a young girl who was kept in another room while her parents cleaned some pillows, and she still fell ill from the fumes.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: Also be alert to signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. Because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses, such as the flu, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that each household have (in addition to smoke detectors on each level) a carbon monoxide detector on each level. And several people have been sickened or killed in or around their houseboats. Low-level exposure to carbon monoxide over a long period of time can be just as harmful as high concentrations over a short period of time -- particularly to infants and children. Other recommendations: 1) Don't run an automobile or other fueled engine in a garage. 2) If you have headaches, fatigue or nausea while driving, have the exhaust system checked. 3) Always use barbecue grills outside the house. 3) Make sure your boat or houseboat has proper ventilation, and don't allow children to play in the water near the boat's exhaust system. 4) Don't use portable heaters or lanterns in enclosed spaces such as tents or campers.
Lead poisoning: Lead poisoning may afflict an estimated 890,000 American preschoolers. It can be a threat in any house or apartment with lead paint, even if fresh paint is layered over it. Signs of lead poisoning: trouble with fine motor control, memory and concentration. Children may also struggle with decisions. Because the symptoms of lead poisoning resemble those of ADD/ADHD, experts say this may lead to a misdiagnosis.
Food Poisoning: A dangerous form of E. Coli can escape standard disinfection methods, say scientists at the University of Georgia. They placed a pierced apple in a bag with the bacterium and later found the bacterium throughout the apple -- even to the core. The researchers say it's probable that some bacterium could thus find protection against "chemical sanitizers, brushing or high-pressure spraying, or other commonly used interventions for cleaning and sanitizing."
American Association of Poison Control Centers: Did you know that experts recommend against automatically giving your child Syrup of Ipecac – until directed to do so by a professional? Find out more from the American Association of Poison Control Centers (1-800-222-1222). When you call the emergency number, AAPCC also can direct you to your area Poison Center.
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