Local organization educates families on child safety for National Poison Prevention Month

Leslie Hudgins
·2 min read

Columbus, Ga (WRBL)— As March unfolds, so does the importance of National Poison Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the hazards of accidental poisoning, particularly among children. Piedmont Columbus Regional underscores the severity of the issue, citing drug exposure poisoning as one of the leading causes of child hospital admissions for injuries.

The accessibility of medications to children and teens poses a significant risk, often stemming from their availability on kitchen countertops or even within grandma’s purse. Pam Fair, the executive director of Safe Kids Columbus, emphasized the critical need for household evaluations regarding child safety.

“It’s a great time for us all to evaluate our households as it relates to children and safety. And so to really begin to think about our medicines, our poisons out of reach, out of sight of children, and if, if at all possible behind a cabinet or a door so that children cannot gain access to these things,” Fair stated in an interview with WRBL.

Children, especially those who cannot read, rely on visual cues such as shape and color to identify products. Fair highlighted the concept of “poison lookalikes,” where household items resembling harmless substances can lead to accidental ingestion.

“We call them poison lookalikes. So as you can see, an ammonia cleaner for a child will look very similar to a drink. A very refreshing drink, or even something like mouthwash. So children can accidentally intake substances that they’re not meant to just based on shape and color. So poison lookalikes can be a really major problem,” Fair explained.

In the event of a potential poisoning incident, prompt action is crucial. Fair stressed the importance of contacting poison control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

As National Poison Prevention Month continues, the message is clear: vigilance and proactive measures can safeguard children from the dangers lurking within everyday household items. By securing medications and harmful substances out of reach and educating both adults and children on poison prevention, families can create safer environments for their loved ones.

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