As the final weeks of summer arrive, the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention, Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island, remind people that most poisonings can be prevented.
They provide the following tips to help people stay safe this Labor Day weekend:
Insect repellents including DEET are a great way to protect your family from insects and ticks, including mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. However, high concentrations of DEET can be harmful because it can be absorbed through the skin. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that when using DEET products on adults and children over two months old, make sure the repellent contains no more than 30% DEET. Products containing DEET should not be used on children younger than two months old. Combination products that contain both sunscreen and insect repellant are not recommended. This is because insect repellant should be applied as infrequently as possible and sunscreen needs to be reapplied frequently. After returning indoors, remember to wash all treated skin with soap and water.
Keep your picnics safe. As you celebrate over Labor Day weekend, remember that alcohol and nicotine can be dangerous for children. Alcohol in children can lower the blood sugar and cause serious health problems. If a child eats just one cigarette containing 15-20 mg of nicotine, it can cause serious health problems. Always clean up after a party and keep dangerous substances, including alcohol and cigarette butts, out of the reach of children. If you think a child has consumed alcohol or eaten part of a cigarette, call the Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention right away at 1-800-222-1222.
The Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention provides 24-hour advice to the public and to health care professionals on all types of poisoning, including medication safety, household products, and other chemical substances.
In 2006, the Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention responded to over 9,000 calls from people in Rhode Island. Over 75% of the exposure calls received were treated at the site of the call, which can help prevent unnecessary visits to the emergency department. Households should remember to keep the Center?s 1-800-222-1222 number nearby in case a poisoning occurs.
The Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention hopes families will enjoy a safe Labor Day weekend. Families can use these tips to stay safe.