Introduction

Poisoning in children is a major cause of illness. 90% of poisoning cases occur at home. Toddlers are at higher risk for poisoning as their natural exploring and curiosity behaviour may result in ingestion.

Common sources of poisons in the household :

• Kerosene and hydrocarbon (petrol)
• Prescribed medicine
• Insecticides, herbicides and pesticides
• Detergents, polishes and caustics

What to do if your child has had contact with poisons?

• Remove poisons from eyes, skin and mouth.
• Always keep National Poison Centre telephone number (04-6570099) in a readily accessible place e.g. on fridge door.

Eyes

• Gently wash eyes with plenty of tap water for at least 5 minutes with the eyelids held open.
• Do not allow your child to rub the affected eye(s) .

Skin

• Wash the poison off the skin with large volumes of water.
• Remove contaminated clothing.

Mouth

• Remove all tablets or powder from the child’s mouth.
• Examine for any burns, cuts or irritation.

If exposed to gases or fumes :

• Get child to fresh air.
• Loosen all clothing.
• If not breathing, clear the throat and start mouth-to- mouth respiration (CPR). Continue until help arrives.
• If poison was ingested, go to the nearest hospital.
• Do not induce vomiting in kerosene/ strong acid / alkali poisoning, and if patient is unconscious or having a fit.
• Keep the child in a sideway position and clear all secretions from the mouth.
• Take the child to the hospital with a sample of the poison.

Prevention

• Supervise your children.
• Keep medication / alcohol out of sight and out of reach of children.
• Keep medication in child-resistant and labelled containers.
• Give the right dose of medication.
• Unused medication should be disposed off, thrown down the sink, buried or burnt.
• Handle food with care – always wash hands before handling food, cook raw meats and eggs and rinse fruits and vegetables.
• Educate your children regarding safety basics.
• Avoid storing poisons in used ‘carbonated drinks’ bottles as children may mistake it for drinks.

Support group

National Poison Center
University Sains Malaysia
11800 Pulau Pinang
Tel : 04-6570099
Fax : 04-6568417
E-mail : prnnet@prn.usm.my