A warning label is attached to a package of Tide laundry detergent packets. Health Canada and AHS are partnering this week to spread awareness on poison prevention in the home.--CP FILE PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
National Poison Prevention Week takes place across Canada from March 20-26. In recognition of the week, Health Canada and Alberta Health Services are sharing tips on how to properly handle and store household products to prevent unintentional poisonings.
“It’s a way for us to remind parents and caregivers about the dangers of unintentional poisoning,” Odette Bose, Health Canada risk communications and public involvement officer, told the News. “We just want to offer tips on how to keep (vulnerable populations) safe.”
While the focus of the week is on vulnerable populations such as children, elders and those with disabilities, all individuals are welcome to participate and learn more.
“We want to urge people to learn more about the dangers of common household poisons and to take steps to … adopting some basic poison prevention techniques in the home,” Bose said.
One of the most important aspects of safe poison handling is to store them in original containers and keep out of reach of those more susceptible to unintentional poisonings, especially children.
Between 2016 and 2021, Alberta’s Poison and Drug Information Services (PADIS) responded to approximately 25,000 potential poisoning situations, 44 per cent of which involved children aged five and under.
“There are some parts of the population who are more susceptible,” said Bose. “(We want to keep) children safe by keeping things like chemicals, household cleaners, laundry pods, medication, art supplies which aren’t meant for children stored in locked cabinets or drawers (and) out of sight and reach of children.”
Bose also explained how yard and garden chemicals could cause risk to children and recommended the homeowner familiarize themselves with any potential poisons. She encouraged homeowners to explore Health Canada’s virtual Healthy Home campaign for info sheets and expert advice.
AHS recommends Albertans also check out Parachute Canada’s Poison Storage Checklist found at parachute.ca.
If an unintentional poisoning does occur or is suspected of occurring, Albertans should call PADIS at 1-800-332-1414 or 911 immediately.
