To protect your kids from harmful household substances such as personal
care products, cleaning substances and analgesics, you should poison-
proof not only your home, but your child’s grandparents’ homes as well.
“About 20 percent of significant exposures to poisons in young children
are from grandparents’ medicines,” says Gary S. Wasserman, DO, Section
Chief, Medical Toxicology at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and
Clinics. “Seniors, who take an average of five prescriptions and two
over-the-counter medications daily, often leave medications out so they
don’t forget to take them. Ensure these substances are kept out of
reach of children.”
Be sure to re-evaluate the home for potential hazards
as your child grows. “Travel around the home and look at potential
dangers from the level of a young child, especially in the kitchen,
bathroom, bedrooms, laundry area and garage or basement,” says Dr.
Wasserman. “Use child safety latches on cabinets, and keep all
medicines and household products in their original containers with
child-resistant closures.”
Call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222 if you suspect your
child has been poisoned. For more information about poison-proofing
your home, our Safe At
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