Household Poisons

Household Poisons

The majority of homes contain many products, mostly cleaners and petrol products, that can do harm if swallowed. Victims of these poisons are often children, but adults also occasionally succumb.

Something is classified as a poison if , taken into the body in sufficient quantity, it causes permanent or temporary damage. A list of such substances will include many household products -- bleach, caustic soda, fire lighters, methylated spirits, nail varnish, paint stripper, paraffin and shoe polish, for instance, can all cause distress and even death if swallowed in sufficient amounts. In the great majority of cases, the poisoning is accidental, and the victim is more often than not a child. Symptoms vary according to the poison, but include vomiting and diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, fits and delirium.

PREVENTION NOT CURE

The surest way to prevent any accidental poisoning is to keep all potentially dangerous household products in their original packaging and either locked away or on a high shelf well out of the range of children -- and definitely not under the sink. This rule applies not only in the kitchen and bathroom, but also in the garage, garden shed or any place you keep weed killers and other garden chemicals, paint thinners, a and so on.

PRIORITIES

If, despite your precautions, someone is poisoned, the first thing you should do, as in most emergencies, is to check that his airway is not blocked, that he is breathing and has a pulse. If he ahs no pulse or is not breathing, start resuscitation techniques, but be careful not to add to the casualty list by contaminating yourself with the poison. Wipe away any traces of it around his mouth and wash your hands carefully afterwards.

The next thing to do is get medical aid -- a doctor or the emergency services -- and to identify the poison. If the casualty is conscious, ask him what he has taken. If he is not, look for a bottle or other container nearby. The emergency services will want to see this. A sample of the casualty's vomit may also help analyse what he ahs taken, but be careful not to contaminate yourself collecting it.

CORROSIVE POISONS

Many household poisons, including bleach, ammonia, soda and floor, furniture and shoe polishes, are corrosive -- that is, they burn flesh and other substances with which they come into contact.

Sure signs of a corrosive poison are burns around the mouth, a white discoloration on the lips, mouth and clothes, and severe pain in the mouth, gullet and stomach.

If these are present, gently clean the affected areas with a damp sponge and remove any clothing onto which the poison or vomit has splashed. Be particularly careful when resuscitating. The pain can be eased with slow sips from a large glass of cold water or milk.

Continue reading here: Outsmart irritable bowel syndrome

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