Holiday Poison Safety: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

It’s the most wonderful time of year when families and friends gather round to give thanks and appreciation as well as spend quality time together. This quality time usually includes delicious food! But this food could also make you terribly sick if it isn’t cooked or stored properly. The Texas Poison Center Network has compiled some tips to make sure your holiday season- and food- is most enjoyable!

ü  Make sure you always wash your hands before and after handling food. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the best way to wash hands is with these five easy steps: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry!

ü  Protect yourself and others from food poisoning by being cautious about how you cook and how long you leave food out of the refrigerator. When handling uncooked meat, you should not only wash your hands before but also after handling. The same goes for any utensils or countertops where the uncooked meat is prepared. And remember to reheat leftovers to at least 165 degrees. Avoid leaving food unrefrigerated for more than two hours.

ü  Watch out for potentially poisonous plants. Keep mistletoe, holly berry and Jerusalem cherry out of reach of children and pets. If you think your child might have gotten into any of these plants, please call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.

ü  Make sure toys are age appropriate. Toys designated above a child’s age level could be hazardous to their health. For example, avoid giving small children toys with button batteries. If swallowed, they can cause serious damage. See which toys have been recalled.

ü  “Angel hair”, a Christmas decoration usually made of spun glass, can irritate the skin and eyes. Be sure to always wear gloves when handling and keep out of reach of children.

The Texas Poison Center Network wishes you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And if you ever find yourself in a poison emergency, please do not hesitate to contact us any time at 1-800-222-1222.

I was a Mom before I was a Poison Educator: This is My Story

While I was working on my bachelor’s degree, I was a stay-at-home mom of three boys and one girl. The creative curiosities that make great stories, such as Dennis The Menace, are exactly the kind of curiosity that engages my two middle boys to explore the world in a way I never would have imagined. They are 16 months apart and are similar in behavior to that of twins. I like to call them “Double Trouble” or “Bash Brothers,” depending on what the situation warrants. If they are best friends and exploring together, then they are Double Trouble; however, if they are worst enemies, then they are Bash Brothers.

As they have grown, we have experienced all kinds of terrifying events:

·         Climbing out of their bedroom window, while I was asleep in my bed, and running up and down a busy street

·         Removing the outlet cover to stick a pipe cleaner in that ended up blowing the outlet

·         Evacuating an entire school for hours because they pulled a fire alarm

·         Making messes that are and should remain an element of nightmares

Honestly, I could go on and on with a list of things they did to explore the world around them. Let’s face it, kids are curious and boys are insane; even if they are adorably cute! However, one thing I never worried about with them was poisons. I did not know the number to the poison center, but buried deep in the back of my mind somewhere I knew one existed.

When both of my boys were in school, I had a challenge of getting them in bed at a decent hour. I would turn off the light and leave their room, but they would continue to talk for hours. Finally, another mom mentioned giving my boys Melatonin to help them go to sleep. After checking with my boy’s doctor, I began giving them Melatonin as well. It was not very expensive, came in flavored tablets that they could dissolve in their mouth and it worked wonderfully!

One Friday evening, my husband and I went on a long-over-due date. We had just finished up with dinner when my mom calls (she was watching the kids) in a panic because one of my boys had eaten 9 or 10 Melatonin. My first reaction as a mom is, “what do I do?” It is amazing what happens when you are in “save my kid” mode. I pulled the existence of the poison center into the front of my mind, but I had no idea where to find the number. This was before we could just look anything up on our phones, so I turned to what we did have available–the phone book.

The specialist at the poison center was amazing. She provided peace of mind that my son would be OK, a little sleepy, but OK. They also offered to call back and check on him.

A couple of years after this terrifying experience, I was hired at a poison center as a community educator. My main mission is to make sure people know about the services the poison center offers and how to reach them. One of the things that affect me the most is the look on a person’s face when they tell me they have had to call the poison center for their child. No matter what we do as parents, sometimes our kids just get into things. The specialists at the poison center have heard stories that only a highly creative mind of a child could possibly dream up! Your kid is not the only one that has gotten into potentially dangerous things, and he will not be the last!

Now that I know that the specialists are trained medical professionals, I utilize them quite often. Calling 1-800-222-1222 provides fast and professional help for emergencies, information for questions and resources for prevention.

Written by Jennifer Watson, Poison Education & Outreach Manager with the Central Texas Poison Center located at Baylor Scott & White Health.

Hand Sanitizers: How Toxic Are They?

Hand sanitizers are very commonly used these days in schools, workplaces, homes, hospitals and other public places such as stores and libraries. In the past, studies have shown that the use of hand sanitizers reduces illnesses in house­holds and universities, and lowers absentee rates in schools. While hand sanitizers have contributed to cleanliness, it is still important to be careful when choosing to use them.

 

Most hand sanitizers contain ethanol, while some contain isopropyl alcohol. The concentration of alcohol in these products varies from 45% to 95%, with the most commonly used products in the range of 60-65%. In­gestions of toxic amounts of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol produce central nervous system depression ranging from inebriation to coma, vomiting, respiratory depression, hypothermia, hypotension, and hypoglycemia (with ethanol; in infants and children) or hyperglycemia (with isopropyl alcohol) may also occur.

Emails and news stories have surfaced recently alleging that children have developed toxic effects from in­gesting small amounts of hand sanitizers off of their hands. These accounts have resulted in questions to poi­son centers about whether they should be used in schools and other locations where children, and in some cases adults, frequent. While these products can be harmful if children ingest them in large quantities, they are safe when used in the correct amount and for the reason they were made. Most children remain asymptomatic or develop mild symptoms such as oral irritation and gastric upset.

How much hand sanitizer would be dangerous?

 

A hand sanitizer pump dispenses approximately 2.5 mL of liquid. If one pump of a 62% ethanol-containing hand sanitizer was ingested by an average two-year-old weigh­ing 15kg, a blood alcohol level of 17.3 mg/dL would be expected, considerably below a toxic level of 80-100 mg/dL. This same child would have to drink approximately 4-5 teaspoonfuls of the sanitizer in order to produce toxic effects that would require medical attention.

If you have any concerns regarding hand sanitizers, please call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your calls. These specialists answer poison-related questions about medications, household products and other potentially dangerous substances and can provide poison education materials like brochures and stickers.  Poison information is also available at the Texas Poison Center Network website, www.poisoncontrol.org

 

Teething Tablet Dangers

When a baby cries out in pain from teething, it is only natural to want to soothe your baby and ease this painful process. While it is normal to want to soothe your baby’s pain, it is important to use safe products to do so. It has recently come to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) attention that homeopathic teething tablets and gels are not the choice to make when looking to soothe your little one. If you have them in your home, the FDA is asking that you stop using them immediately and dispose of them properly.

Homeopathy is a natural form of medicine used by over 200 million people worldwide to treat both acute and chronic conditions. It is based on the principle of 'like cures like'. In other words, a substance taken in small amounts will cure the same symptoms it causes if it were taken in large amounts.

The teething tablets and gels are used on infants and toddlers and are said to help kids deal with the often painful process of teething. You can easily find them at any CVS, Hyland’s or Walgreen’s. But what makes these teething tablets so dangerous? Despite being able to find them almost anywhere, like many homeopathic items, the products haven’t been assessed or approved by the FDA. Health officials cannot confirm that they are safe or effective.

Consumers should seek medical care immediately if their child experiences seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation.

In 2010, the FDA warned parents not to use homeopathic teething tablets and gels after receiving reports of babies having experienced negative side effects – such as seizures – from these products. The FDA is currently testing product samples and did release a safety alert that said “Hyland’s Teething Tablets contained inconsistent amounts of belladonna, a substance that can cause serious harm at larger doses.”

Teething problems can be managed in other ways including small doses of Tylenol or Advil. To find out what is best for your baby, it is important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing and giving your baby any medications, homeopathic or not. It is also extremely important to always verify the correct dosage of medication to give your baby. Medication overuse in babies can lead to dangerous consequences. If you have any questions concerning teething tablets or dosage amounts, please do not hesitate to contact the Texas Poison Center Network for more information 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.

Learn the Basics for keeping your Baby Poison-free during Baby Safety Month

It’s baby safety month and what better way to celebrate than to become more informed on how best to keep your baby out of harm’s way. Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) started baby safety month in 1983 as Expectant Mother’s Day. As time went on, the day became a weeklong celebration, until 1991, when it was acknowledged throughout the entire month of September.

There are many important things to remember when it comes to keeping babies safe from hidden or even unhidden dangers. At the Texas Poison Center Network, we compiled some of the most important issues when it comes to caring for babies and their safety. Check out our tips below:

·         The most common problem for age 0-6 months is medication errors. It is important to always use a measuring syringe or dropper when giving medication to a baby. Over-medicating can be very dangerous. If you are unsure how much medication to give your baby, please contact your pharmacist or physician or the poison center first.

·         Cabinets containing cleaning materials or other product that may be considered harmful if ingested should be locked up. If you are unable to lock the cabinets, then these items should be moved to an area that is out of sight and out of reach of young children.

·         Know the names of the plants you have in your home and in your yard. Check with poison control if you are not sure if a plant is poisonous or not. (1-800-222-1222)  If a plant is poisonous, remove it from your home or yard immediately to prevent anyone from accidentally ingest it.

·         Keep medications out of sight and out of reach of children. This includes vitamins, cough syrup, prescription and non-prescription medications and even herbal formulations.  All of these items can be appealing to small children; which is why it is so important to keep them locked up and away from prying eyes.

·         Make sure you stay updated on any product recalls, including food and baby items such as strollers and cribs. An additional step you can take is filling out the product registration cards when you purchase baby items. This way, if there is a recall of a product, you will be the first to know.

For more information on baby safety and poison control safety, please visit www.poisoncontrol.org. If you find you or someone you know in a poison emergency, or just have questions about poison, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-222-1222.

Seniors Are at Risk for Poisonings Too!

While many senior adults are not sure why they should be concerned about poison centers and poison prevention, the average amount of medicine – prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin and herbal – consumed by seniors continues to increase. At the same time, calls to the Texas Poison Center Network about seniors also have steadily increased for the past few years, and many of these calls concern medicines.

These tips can help keep senior adults poison-safe:

• Keep an up-to-date list of all medicines a person takes. These include prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins and herbals.
• Share the list with all doctors and pharmacists to check for drug interactions. Surprisingly, even herbal supplements can interact with a prescription drug. Be sure to always check with a doctor before adding vitamins or herbal supplements to daily prescription medicines.
• If possible, use the same pharmacy to fill all prescriptions. This also helps with avoiding negative drug interactions.
• Keep all medicines in their original containers to avoid confusion with the type of medicine and dosage. This is especially important when acetaminophen is an ingredient because taking too much can cause liver damage. Many pain relievers and sleeping products include acetaminophen and labels may not be clear as to what they contain.
• Always read the label prior to taking any medicine, and never try to take it in the dark or without glasses to avoid mistaking medicines or taking an overdose.  
• Follow all medicine dosage instructions to avoid taking too much.
• Develop a system for medicine tracking to help show when it has been taken, such as a check-off list or medicine journal. This helps to ensure the medicine has been taken also helps prevent extra doses from being taken accidentally.
• Dispose of all medicines that are no longer needed, such as expired medicines and prescriptions that have been discontinued. This helps to prevent senior adults from taking the wrong medicine or drugs interacting with each other. Many communities have collection events or drop boxes for safe disposal of medicines, so ask your local pharmacist for suggestions. To find out when and where the next collection event will be, click on one of these links: http://www.medicationcleanout.com or http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html. Some police departments have full-time medication dropboxes so you can go by anytime to drop off those unused or expired medicines.  To find one near you, just click on the link below: http://www.americanmedicinechest.com/.
• Never take someone else’s medicine. Even if it could be beneficial, it might interact with a person’s other medicines. Plus, taking other people’s prescriptions is illegal!
• Be very cautious when considering ordering medicines over the Internet. It is often impossible to tell if they are coming from another country, and the ingredients may not be what are claimed. This especially applies to supplements that make claims for “miracle cures.” Ask family members or a pharmacist to investigate the site before sending money or taking products obtained online.
• Keep the Poison Help toll-free number handy for poison information and emergencies. If a poisoning is suspected, call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

For more information about seniors and medicine safety, visit our website at www.poisoncontrol.org or call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.  

 

Poisons: Myths vs. Facts

There are many myths when it comes to poisonings. While some things may seem harmless, they can actually be quite dangerous. In this blog the Texas Poison Center Network breaks down a few of the myths and back it up with the actual facts. So what are some myths and facts about poisonings and prevention?

Myth #1: Putting products up high will prevent poisonings.

As children grow, they learn to climb on chairs and counters. Putting poisons in locked cabinets will be more useful after children reach the climbing stage. So while keeping dangerous products up high out of reach is a good idea, it is best to keep them locked up too.

Myth #2: Use of “natural” products prevents poisonings.

Plants are natural and can be poisonous. Natural home remedies and health food products may also be hazardous to children and adults in certain situations. Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe. Make sure to check with a doctor or call poison control first if you are unsure about using a product.

Myth #3:  Children won’t eat bad-tasting things.

Some children are more adventurous in their eating habits than others, but many children will still eat yucky things such as dirt, trash, feces, batteries, coins, mothballs, spit tobacco, roaches, and more. Keep this in mind and always keep your eyes on your children and keep dangerous items stored high and locked up.

Myth #4: All poisonings can be prevented by locking up poisons.

Latches and locks are a great way to reduce access to hazards.  But, many poisonings occur when a product is out for use or display.  Examples include cleaning day, using scented plug-ins, holiday plants, lamp oil, cigarettes, mixed drinks, taking medication, etc. If you are worried that someone you know might have been accidentally poisoned, please contact a poison center for help at 1-800-222-1222.

Myth #5:  It’s safe to eat plants that are eaten by birds and animals.
 
Not every species can eat the same plants safely because their metabolisms are very different.  And did you know that birds and animals can get poisoned by eating the wrong plants too? For this reason we should always be mindful of what we put in our mouth.
 
Myth #6:  Some medicine caps are child-proof and kids can’t get into them.
 
Difficult-to-open caps are called child-resistant closures. There is no such thing as child-proof. Child resistant means that they simply take longer to open, in the hopes that an adult will discover what a child is doing before the cap is pried off. Never leave medication where a child can access it.

Myth #7: All poisoning cases should be treated in the hospital.

This is probably the biggest myth of all! Did you know most poisonings can be treated at home with the guidance of experts on the poison center hotline? It’s true! Most unintentional poisonings can be treated at home saving you time and money.

The Texas Poison Center Network is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us anytime, anywhere for your poison emergency at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Snakes

With recent heavy rains, snakes have been out in full force. At a North Texas daycare, a little boy was bit by a copperhead (read here). In Birmingham, a 4-year-old girl and a 76-year-old woman were both bitten by snakes while in a garden (read here). Most snakes are harmless, but some are venomous and can be very dangerous. Here are the snakes in Texas that you should keep a lookout for this time of year:

Cottonmouth: A cottonmouth can reach lengths of up to five feet long. Commonly called a Water Moccasin, these snakes enjoy being near bodies of water and are usually dark black in color with wide bands on its body. This type of snake can be aggressive so keep your eyes open when playing by lakes, ponds and rivers.

Rattlesnake: The Western Diamondback rattlesnake is one of the most common rattlesnakes you’ll find in Texas (except for the eastern part of the state) and accounts for most of the serious envenomations. It can reach lengths of up to seven feet and has a triangular shaped head. They often spend their days hiding in low-growing shrubs or under rocks. The most identifiable part of this snake is its rattle, followed by an equally banded black and white tail and diamond-shaped patterned skin (hence its name). They are not usually aggressive but can be if their habitat is disturbed or threatened or if they feel cornered; so watch where you’re walking when out on hikes!

Copperhead: These snakes are also very common Texas (except for the western part of the state). It can reach up to 30 inches long and has a reddish-brown head and a coppery body. These snakes are usually not aggressive and most people only get bitten by accidently stepping on them. The reason it might be easy to step on one is because they blend in so well with oak leaves and other vegetation. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and where you are walking when in wooded or park areas.

Texas Coral Snake: This snake is the most colorful of the bunch, only reaching about 2 feet in length. They are not too hard to miss with their bright red, black and yellow rings on the body, but there are other non-venomous snakes that look very similar. Although we don’t see very many Coral snake bites, the bite can be dangerous, especially in children. Their mouths are quite small so they have an easier time biting young children than they do an adult. It is best to avoid these snakes and remember the saying: Red touching yellow, kills a fellow, while red touching black, venom they lack!

Think you've been bitten by a snake?

·         Remain as calm as possible. The more calm you are the slower your heart beats, slowing the spread of the venom.

·         Call your local poison center (1-800-222-1222) right away! Keep the number programmed in your phone so that you have it when you need it. They are available to help 24/7.

·         Avoid food, drinks, and medications -including medications for pain and/or aspirin.

·         Do not try to capture the snake for any purpose.

·         Remove jewelry or anything that may constrict swelling.

·         Do not try to suck the venom out.

·         Do not pack the wound with ice.

·         Do not cut the wound

·         Do not apply a tourniquet

Attempting to treat the bite incorrectly can result in further injury to the area. It is important to remain calm and get to your nearest hospital right away.

Snake bites can be scary, but calling the poison center immediately can help ease your worries and give you some peace of mind. Please do not hesitate to contact the Texas Poison Center Network for FREE assistance. And in case you forgot, here’s the number to save in your phone: 1-800-222-1222.  

What You Need to Know About the Zika Virus and Standing Water

As we make our way through spring and soon head into the summer months, mosquito season is in full force. Mosquitoes are known to carry the Zika virus which can cause fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The Zika virus infection is most dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.

This spring has been filled with heavy rains, which means the mosquitoes are more rampant than ever. The Texas Poison Center Network wants you to know what you can do to help eliminate being infected by the Zika virus. Here are a few steps you can take to help eliminate mosquitoes breeding around your home:

·         Remove standing water, as this is where mosquitoes breed. This includes pet water bowls, flower pots, buckets, birdbaths, trashcans, and rain barrels. Once a week, remove standing water around your home and wash out the container the water was in. This way you also get rid of any mosquito eggs waiting to hatch.

·         If you need to store water outside, make sure it is covered with a tight lid to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in it.

If you are finding lots of mosquitoes already around your home, follow these steps to help eliminate your chances of being bitten:

·         Wear long sleeved shirts and pants.

·         Stay inside

·         Use insect repellents with DEET and make sure to follow directions on the bottle. (DEET repellent is not recommended for younger than two months of age)

If you are pregnant, check out this link from the CDC that contains important steps to take to stay free of the Zika virus: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/pdfs/zika-pregnancy.pdf.

If you have questions about the Zika virus, or you are concerned you might have contracted it, contact the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.

Laundry Detergent Packs Pose a Risk to Young Children

Back in 2013 we wrote a blog on the risks of colorful laundry detergent packs to children (You can read the blog here). Unfortunately, these laundry packs are still a concern to children. In 2016, through April 30, poison centers received 3,795 exposure calls involving these highly concentrated packets of laundry detergent by children 5 and younger in the United States.

These single-dose detergent capsules have a candy-like appearance and consist of a highly concentrated liquid that dissolves when in contact with water.   Due to their colorful nature, they are attractive to children and can become a danger to young children in the home.



Example of Laundry Packs and How
Similar they look to Candy

If a child were to put the laundry detergent pack into his/her mouth, it could cause the packet to burst.  This can result in the child becoming ill and possibly even needing hospitalization. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), some children who have gotten the product in their mouths have had excessive vomiting, wheezing and gasping. Some get very sleepy while others have had breathing problems serious enough to need a ventilator to help them breathe.  There have also been reports of corneal abrasions (scratches to the eyes) when the detergent gets into a child’s eyes.

According to poison control officials, there has already been at least two fatalities from the ingestion of these laundry packs. They can be very dangerous for children and poison officials are urging parents of young children to avoid using the packets. By following the tips below, parents can eliminate the worry of their children ingesting them.

Here are some tips on how to keep these out of your child’s reach:

-       Keep detergent locked up, out of sight and out of their reach.

-       Always follow instructions on a product label.

-       If the doorbell or phone rings when you’re using the detergent pods, take them with you or put them out of the child’s reach first. Don’t turn your back on a child when any poisonous product is nearby. Most poisonings occur when the product is in use.

-       If you think your child has been exposed to any laundry detergent, but especially the highly concentrated laundry detergent packs, call your local poison center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. 

For more information on these laundry detergent packs, please visit http://www.aapcc.org/alerts/laundry-detergent-packets/ or call 1-800-222-1222.

High School Student Recognizes Importance of Poison Education

High School projects can sometimes be daunting tasks, but the hope is always that the students learn and grow from these projects. For one junior at Carnegie Vanguard High School in Houston, poison control became the focus of her Texas Performance Standards Research project for the year and made her realize the importance of poison safety.

When Grace Vollmers chose her project, she set out to address poison education and learning about the different types of poisonings in relations to poisonous plants.

“I originally wasn’t planning on going into poison education,” she said. “At first, I was only really interested in the science of poisons, especially poisonous plants. After doing some research on accidental poisoning statistics, it struck me that this information was never really covered in elementary school.”

That’s when Grace set out to create some new curriculum for elementary students. She wanted them to learn about the dangers of poisons and how to stay poison-free. She learned that accidental poisonings are one of the leading causes of death especially for young children.

Over the yearlong project, Grace created curriculum for first, second, third, fourth and fifth grade students. She utilized look-a-like activities, scenario activities, and hidden poisonings coloring pages. She also created word searches, word jumbles, a PSA activity and group discussion activities. Each of the activities she created are geared toward the specific age group and they are not only fun but also useful for teaching about poisons.

“Through the course of my project I really learned to appreciate the patience and understanding that elementary school teachers have,” Grace said. “I hope that my product will serve as a valuable resource for schools and teachers in the future, and that it will shed some insight into how to better educate and protect children from the dangers of accidental poisonings.”

Interested in finding out more about Grace’s project? Check out her website at the following link and let her know what you think of her project: http://gracevollmers.wix.com/poisonsafetytpsp#!activities/c10d6.

Looking for information on poison control or accidental poisonings? Visit www.poisoncontrol.org today for more information. If you or a loved one might have been poisoned, please do not hesitate to contact the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.

How Poisonous are Weed Killers?

Springtime is upon us which means lots of pesky weeds will be more prevalent as will the use of weed killers. Weed killers are popular to maintain lawns and landscaping. But how safe are children and pets being around these chemicals? 

Thousands of exposures are reported to U.S. poison centers every year. Fortunately, the majority of cases have mild to no symptoms. However, major effects or even death can occur. These cases usually involve deliberate, large ingestions. But there are also inadvertent or exploratory ingestions by children that generally only cause mild irritation of the exposed tissue in areas such as the gastrointestinal tract, skin, eyes, or respiratory tract.

The two major classes of herbicides in the U.S. are glyphosates and chlorophenoxy compounds. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide, and is the most widely used herbicide in the US. It is available under a variety of trade names, including Roundup. Glyphosate is related to the amino acid glycine and kills plants by interfering with the synthesis of other amino acids. The addition of other chemicals to glyphosate mixtures (such as diquat and surfactants) are responsible for much of the reported toxicity. Exposure is common because of the popularity of these products, but severe toxicity is rare.

Ingestion of products containing glyphosate can cause gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain), oral pain, and slight sedation. Skin exposure can cause it to become red and irritated along with “goose bumps”. These products are not expected to produce significant adverse effects when users follow the recommended instructions. They generally state that, “Pets such as cats and dogs should remain out of the treatment area until it is thoroughly dry. Once the application area has dried, your pets may reenter the area. Although they may eat a small amount of grass, they will not be able to eat enough of the product to cause a health hazard.”

Chlorophenoxy compounds (also known as 2,4-D compounds) are other chemicals commonly found in weed killers. Several hundred commercial products contain these compounds in various forms, concentrations, and combinations. They are often mixed into commercial fertilizers to restrict the growth of broadleaf weeds. Chlorophenoxy compounds have been shown to cause skin irritation with skin contact; airway irritation with inhalation; and nausea, vomiting, and increased acid levels with large ingestions.

For those who prefer non-chemical options for weed control: manually pulling out weeds by the roots to prevent regrowth, mulching, and possibly by applying acetic acid like vinegar to unwanted plants may be considered.

Overall, weed killers intended for residential use are considered safe when used appropriately. It is important to read all instructions on the product’s labeling and allow the product to completely dry before permitting children or pets to enter the lawn. As with all chemicals, be sure to store in the original container and out of reach from children. The Texas Poison Center Network is a trustworthy and easily accessible resource to take advantage of if an inadvertent exposure occurs, to find out if a trip to the Emergency Department is necessary as well as just to ask any questions.  Specialist at the poison center can be reached 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 1-800-222-1222.

CSEC Seeking Public Member for the Poison Control Coordinating Committee

Do you think you have what it takes to make a difference in poison control? We hope you do! The Texas Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) is seeking an interested individual to serve as its public appointee to the state's Poison Control Coordinating Committee (PCCC). While the position is unpaid and a volunteer position, it comes with a lot of benefits in other ways.

“It is wonderful to be a part of a team that works toward the health and safety of Texans.  The Poison Control Network provides a vital service for Texans in poison emergencies,” previous public member Grace Chimene said. “As the Public Member to the Poison Control Coordinating Committee, you will have an opportunity to provide an outsider's viewpoint and a public perspective to help coordinate TPCN services across the state.”

The 81st Texas Legislature created the committee (House Bill 1093) for the purposes of coordinating the activities of the state's six regional poison control centers and advising the Commission. The committee is composed of representatives of the CSEC, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), each of the six Regional Poison Control Centers, and one public member appointed by CSEC. The committee typically meets monthly, usually by conference call.

“Poison emergencies happen fast.  I took pride in the volunteer service I provided as the Public Member to the Poison Control Coordinating Committee,” Chimene said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to help an organization whose goal is to be accessible 24 hours a day with well-trained medical professionals available to help in a poison emergency.”

This position is very important to the PCCC and as the Public Member, your opinion will provide valuable insight and understanding from the public’s perspective. This position does not require any training, but if you have training in clinical medicine, pharmacology, or nursing, this would provide even more value to the PCCC.

“As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, I understood the importance of the services provided by the Poison Control Network,” Chimene said. “My little patients and their families rely on this emergency service to be effective, well-coordinated, and high quality.”

If you are interested in finding out more about this position or are interested in serving, please contact CSEC’s Executive Director Kelli Merriweather at (512) 305-6938, or kelli.merriweather@csec.texas.gov.

Why Alcohol and Medications Don’t Mix

It usually starts out harmless. You take your prescribed medication once you get home from work. Then a friend calls and invites you to dinner. You meet for dinner and decide to have a couple of glasses of wine. But did you know that alcohol and medicines often don’t mix? What most people don’t realize is that alcohol mixed with certain medications can be a very dangerous combination.

Combining alcohol and medicines, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can lead to life-threatening consequences depending on the medicine, the amount of alcohol consumed, medical conditions, body size and age.

Alcohol can interact with medicines in several ways:

• Medications, such as the antibiotic metronidazole, may prevent the metabolism of alcohol and cause a “disulfiram-like” reaction that includes abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing.  This reaction has even been reported to cause sudden death.   
• Alcohol can make the risk of drowsiness and impaired motor function caused by medicine more likely.
• Alcohol can increase the risk of medicine side effects, such as lowered blood pressure and stomach irritation.     

Not everyone is affected the same way. Because of a smaller body size, a woman who drinks the same amount as a man will have a higher alcohol level in her blood, making her more at risk for an interaction. Elderly people may experience more drowsiness and motor impairment than their younger counterparts when they combine alcohol with another medicine that causes drowsiness.  People who regularly consume large quantities of alcohol are at more risk of some types of interactions than those who have only an occasional drink.  

The Texas Poison Center Network wants you to keep these in mind when tending to your medications:

• If a medicine causes you to be drowsy, assume that it will interact with alcohol to make you even drowsier and more likely to be impaired. Examples include cough and cold medicine and over-the-counter sleep aids.  
• If you are taking a prescription drug for anxiety, stress, depression, mood control, seizure control, or pain control, always assume that alcohol will interact with it. In addition to increasing the risk for drowsiness, dizziness and impairment, mixing alcohol with these medicines can place you at risk for life-threatening breathing difficulties and other dangerous effects.  People taking these drugs should not drink beverages containing alcohol. 
• If you are taking any medicine to treat stomach pain, be aware that alcohol can make stomach pain worse and make the drug less effective. 
• If you are taking any medicine that causes you to have stomach pain or nausea, drinking alcohol will likely make your stomach pain and nausea worse. 
• Some blood pressure drugs, when mixed with alcohol, increase the chance for your blood pressure to drop too low. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for details about the specific blood pressure medicine you are taking. 
• Some diabetes drugs, when mixed with alcohol, can make your blood sugar fall too low. 
• When mixed with alcohol, some antibiotics and diabetes drugs can cause flushing, nausea, vomiting, confusion, low blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. These medicines usually have a sticker on the prescription bottle warning against consuming alcohol.

Remember, this is not a full list of interactions between medicines and alcohol. If you take any medicine, always talk with a doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcohol. If someone does experience effects from combining alcohol and medicine, call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 for expert medical help 24/7.

Become More Aware During National Poison Prevention Week 2016

When people think of poisonings, they usually think of children putting something toxic like a toilet cleaner into their mouths. What most people do not realize is that poisonings can also include mixing the wrong medications, being bitten by a poisonous snake or spider, and coming into contact with silent killers like carbon monoxide. While these can sound scary, the good news is most of them can be prevented with the right education and choices.

In 1961, the United States designated the third full week of March as National Poison Prevention Week, a week dedicated to teaching, educating and raising awareness about poisonings. This year marks the 54^th year and acts as a reminder that poisonings are currently the leading cause of injury death in the country. But as with any injury, it can be preventable and a poison expert is only a phone call away.

What is considered a poison?

A poison is any substance, including medications, which can be harmful to your body if too much is ingested, inhaled, injected or absorbed through the skin. Accidental poisoning can occur when a person unintentionally takes too much of a substance and does not mean to cause harm.

Poisonings are more common than you think. Currently, more than two million poisonings are reported each year to the Nation’s poison centers. And according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, approximately 90 percent of these poisonings are happening at home with 51 percent of them involving children under the age of six.

While thoughts of an accidental poisoning can be daunting, the poison control toll-free help line is here to help when you need it the most!

Here are some poison facts and tips to remember:

• In children ages six and younger, the most common exposure is to medicines, plants, pesticides and cleaning products.
• Child-resistant packages are not childproof. Most two-year olds can open a child-resistant container in 4 to 5 minutes or less.
• Calling 1-800-222-1222 from anywhere in the United States will connect you to a local poison center.
• Keep all poisons locked up and out of reach of children.
• Never refer to medicine (prescription, vitamins or otherwise) as candy as children may mistake tiny pills for yummy candy.
• Get household furnaces checked yearly and make sure working carbon monoxide detectors are in the house and checked multiple times a year. This is especially important for the winter months.

 

What to Do in the Event of an Accidental Poisoning

In the event that you or someone with you has been poisoned, always remember to remain calm. Then call the toll-free Poison Help line right away at 1-800-222-1222. Stay on the phone with the poison control specialist and follow all the instructions you are given. For more information on accidental poisonings and what you can do to protect yourself and loved ones, please visit the Texas Poison Center Network website at www.poisoncontrol.org.

An Important Reminder on the Dangers of Button Batteries

A year ago we ran a blog on button batteries and the dangers they pose to young children. In recent months there have been news stories on the dangers of button batteries. Most recently, a two-year-old little girl lost her life. You can read her story here.

An example of how a button battery becomes
lodged in the esophagus.

It’s important for everyone to understand the dangers that button batteries pose to young children so let’s start with the basics. Button batteries (aka disc batteries), are 8-23 mm in diameter and are found in a variety of household products such as hearing aids and handheld devices. But they are also found in many toys that children receive during the holidays. Because of their common presence in the home and due to their small size, there is a risk that button batteries may be swallowed by children. (The majority of button battery ingestions involve children 0-5 years in age.)

These batteries pose a danger when they get stuck in the esophagus, leading to serious injury and in rare cases, death. Once lodged, the chemicals in the battery start burning the surrounding tissue. Poison control centers across the United States report that about 3,500 button batteries are swallowed each year. In Texas alone, there have been over 2,200 cases since 2000.

If a button battery is ingested, symptoms can include vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and swallowing. Many times, swallowed batteries pass through the intestines and safely exit the body. However in some cases, they can easily get lodged in the esophagus and cause serious damage. It is best to keep button batteries up, away and out of reach of children. Parents should also secure the battery compartments of products in which button batteries are used and never leave batteries lying around loose or allow children to play with them.

If your child ingests a battery, you should immediately call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222.

Dial 9-1-1 immediately if someone: 

•Stops breathing. 

•Collapses. 

•Has a seizure.

And remember to never induce vomiting. For more information, call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Poison centers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year for poisoning emergencies and for informational calls, too.