Message from the Minister of Health: National Poison Prevention Week - March 19-25, 2017
Statements
March 19 to 25, 2017, is Poison Prevention Week. In Canada, unintentional poisoning is one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death among children under five. Thousands of children visit emergency rooms each year after accidently consuming household chemicals or medications found in their home. During Poison Prevention Week, I want to remind Canadians of the steps they can take to protect their kids from unintentional poisoning at home.
Even a small amount of a household chemical product can be harmful to a child, so it is important to make sure you use, store and dispose of these products carefully. Some important tips to help prevent poisonings from common household items include:
- Keep chemical products, medications and cleaning supplies, including laundry detergent packets, safely stored in a location that is out of sight and reach of children.
- Make sure all child-resistant containers are functioning properly.
- Teach children that the hazard symbols on household chemical products mean “Danger! Do not touch.”
- Read and follow all product instructions.
- Store items, including medications, in their original containers and keep all safety information.
- Keep pesticides locked up and consider using a licensed pest control operator if you have a pest issue in your home.
- Keep emergency numbers handy. If a poisoning is suspected, you should contact your local Poison Control Centre or call 911 immediately.
I want to encourage all parents and caregivers to follow these tips to help make the environments where our children live, learn and play as safe as possible.
The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health
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