During this year’s National Poison Prevention Week, March 18-24, Snohomish County Fire District 7 and the Washington Poison Center want to remind parents and caregivers of the dangers of poisons and how to prevent poisonings.
In 2004, there were just over 35,000 poisonings of children under six years of age reported to the Washington Poison Center.
“Improperly stored products and toddlers’ exploratory nature put them at a higher risk for poisoning than other children,” said Audrey Duncan, public educator for Fire District 7. “Most children under the age of 6 think of poisons only as things they can chew or smell bad. They do not think liquids or sprays can be dangerous or that poisons can smell good.”
Officials advise parents to teach toddlers that they should never put anything in their mouths without asking a grown-up first. Help them to understand that eating, drinking or even playing with the wrong things can make them very sick.
In poison emergencies, call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222, where specially trained nurses, pharmacists and poison specialists provide immediate treatment advice for poison emergencies. They provide around-the-clock information about poisons and poison prevention for all ages and for animals.
For more information about poison prevention or to pick up free Mr. Yuk stickers, visit Fire District 7’s Headquarters at 8010 180th St. SE. The Washington Poison Center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 or online at www.wapc.org.
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