Programs

Objectives

1. Students should understand that many products in their homes can be poisonous
2. Poisons can look, smell, or taste appealing
3. Poisons can enter the body by swallowing, breathing, skin contact, or eye exposure
4. Students should understand basic first aid for poisonings

Develop Interest

Ask students about the Poison Help logo and what it means. Do they know that if there is a possible poisoning, they can call 1-800-222-1222 anywhere in the United States to reach their local poison center?

Ask if they or someone they know has ever called a poison center.

Poison Talk

Accidents are the leading cause of death for children under the age of 14. More children die each year from preventable injuries than from all childhood diseases combined.

Children may be injured in traffic as passengers, pedestrians, or bicyclists. They may also be harmed by burns, drowning, choking, falls, and poisoning.

Each year, poison centers handle over 1 million potentially poisonous exposures in children. These poisonings, like many accidents, can be prevented.

Discussion Points

• What is a poison? (Something that can harm you when you are exposed to it)
• Poisons are found throughout the home (medications, household chemicals), garage (insecticides, car products), and outdoors (plants and mushrooms)
• People can be exposed in four ways: swallowing, inhaling, skin contact, or eye exposure
• Some poisons are obvious, such as cleaners, but others are not
• Children may mistake poisons for safe items (medicine may look like candy, cleaners may look like sports drinks, mouthwash smells minty)
• Poisons may smell good, taste good, or look appealing
• Medications and vitamins can be dangerous if too much is taken—even one tablet can be harmful
• Someone who is poisoned may not look sick right away
• Always call the Poison Center, even if the person seems fine
• Keep the Poison Help number 1-800-222-1222 near the phone
• Most poisonings do not require a hospital visit
• Pets can be poisoned too

What to Do if You Suspect a Poisoning

First, remove the poison if it is safe to do so. Then:

• If swallowed: give a small amount of water if the person is awake and able to swallow
• If on skin: wash the area with soap and water
• If inhaled: move to fresh air
• If in the eye: rinse with gently flowing, lukewarm water

Tell a trusted adult right away.

Get help: Call 1-800-222-1222 or 911.

Stay calm and explain what happened to the Poison Center specialist or emergency operator.