IN THE aftermath of Ivan, we must be alert to the many substances around us that could be poisonous. Many are being used in the clean-up effort as we strive to get our lives back to normal. Make sure that you follow the correct instructions when you use bleach, disinfectants and general household cleaning agents. Monitor the use of furniture polish, kerosene, mothballs, soaps, rubbing alcohol, glues and pool supplies. Young children will touch or swallow these items if they are within reach.
One man's medicine is another man's poison. We know that a small 'heart' tablet safely taken by an ailing grandparent is enough to harm a small child and common painkillers taken in excess can result in irreversible damage or death. The consequences depend on the substance, the amount taken, the length of time and type of the exposure. The age, weight and health status are important factors in the ultimate outcome.
Never take chances with food or medicine safety. After a storm, frequent power outrages can affect food safety as bacteria begin to grow when the temperatures rise above 40 degrees. This means that you must discard anything that turns mouldy or has an unusual odour. Do not taste food to determine safety. Flood water passes on contamination to everything with which it comes in contact. Several medicines are best kept in the cooling section of a refrigerator and must also be discarded after prolonged power outages.
GENERATORS CAN BE DEADLY
Many people do not realise that power generators create a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide (CO). This gas replaces the oxygen in your blood very quickly. High levels of CO can kill people if they do not get fresh air immediately after exposure. Exposure to low levels of CO causes dizziness, mild nausea, headaches, and then victims may become mentally confused and faint.
HERE ARE SOME
PRECAUTIONS, NEVER:-
Store medicines, household chemicals and pesticides in the reach of children.
Mix chemicals inside your home as poisonous gases can be created.
Use power generators in confined spaces or poorly-ventilated rooms
but always turn on the fan and open windows when using chemical products.
When assisting victims exposed, you should remain calm and call your doctor, pharmacist or an emergency centre, if one exists.
"An ounce of prevention is better than cure". During your post-Ivan clean up, please monitor substances such as bleach, furniture polish, moth balls, soaps, rubbing alcohol, glues, kerosene and pool supplies. Young children will touch or swallow these items if they are within reach. Remember, if you suspect that CO is present in the home, get out of the house immediately and seek medical help. Activated charcoal and 'bizzy' have worked for some ingested poisons. Before you use these antidotes, seek medical advice. However, the best antidote for poisoning is prevention. During poison prevention week, take time out to learn how you can keep your home, family and community safe from poisons.
A CARIBBEAN RESPONSE
The newly-established Caribbean Poison Information Network (CARPIN), based at the University of Technology, will heighten public awareness and increase knowledge about poisons. You will be able to get advice about the best action to take immediately after a poisonous exposure and where to go for additional help.
Poison centres in the United States report that 90 per cent of unintentional poisonings occur in the home and that young
children suffer the most from poisoning. However, adolescents are most affected by intentional poisonings that lead to suicide. They estimate that for every
dollar invested in poison centres, seven dollars are saved by the health system. Poison centres are a valuable part of any health-care system and should be a
benefit to the Caribbean.
Ellen Campbell Grizzle, President, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists and Director, Information & Research, National Council on Drug Abuse.
Ellen Campbell -Grizzle
PHARMACY TODAY
