08/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/27/2024 09:44
The start of the school year is a frantic time for families and teachers, getting back on schedule and navigating the morning rush - a time when people might not be paying attention to situations where unintentional poisonings could occur.
"September is not only a busy time for families and school employees; it's also a busy time for us at the poison center," said Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Centerat Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. "Potentially dangerous products are commonly found in our everyday environments and often go unnoticed until a mishap occurs. Situations can become dangerous quickly and without warning depending on the dose of a product."As with households, classrooms contain substances that are harmful if ingested or used incorrectly, including medicines, cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, look-alike products, school and craft supplies, hand sanitizers, food, disc batteries and small magnets.
"When you combine distraction with easy access and unsafe storage of potentially harmful products, mishaps are likely to happen," said Calello, who is also an associate professor of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. "Every day, people of all ages are exposed to potentially dangerous items ranging from medicines and chemicals to adult recreational products and substances of abuse."
When it comes to giving medicine to children, parents and caregivers should have a clear understanding as to what medicine a child needs, when and how much needs to be given and who is responsible for giving the medicine, Calello says.
Calling the poison control center (800-222-1222) first for medical guidance and care, including determining if any further medical action is needed, can make a difference between a mild health effect and a more serious one, which may result in a trip to the hospital, she adds.
While some calls to the poison center are routine, others involving prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements, highly caffeinated energy drinks and adult recreational drugs including vape liquids, cannabis edibles and alcohol can be complicated and result in serious side effects.
Younger children are not the only ones at risk for poisonings. Social media challenges, bullying and look-alike products can pose serious health risks for older children and teens. Potentially dangerous situations can include inhaling toxic fumes from a spray can for a challenge, taking a large dose of an over-the-counter pain reliever to harm oneself, mistakenly eating cannabis edibles thought to be candy or taking fake prescription pills from a friend or bought online.
The New Jersey Poison Control Center recommends the following safety tips to prevent children of all ages from coming in contact with potential poisons at home and school:
Teachers and school staff can use this checklistto help prevent accidental poisonings in their classrooms and school. Additional resourcesare available.
More information on safely using cleaning chemicals in the classroom can be found here.
If you think someone has come into contact with something dangerous or if you have questions and need information, contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.