British Columbia Poison Control Centre Fact Sheet

Each year in British Columbia over 26,000 poisonings are reported to the B.C. Poison Control Centre. These include both unintentional and intentional poisonings and overdoses. The type of poisons and the approach to poison prevention education depends on the age group involved and the reason for the poisoning.

Poisonings in Young Children
More than half of all poisonings involve young children, with children between one and three years of age at highest risk. The situations are mostly unintentional and are a function of the child’s developmental stage. Young children constantly explore and investigate the world around them.?The types of poisons in this age group are often things that they encounter in their environment (see pie chart). The most common exposures are not necessarily the most toxic. Serious poisoning is more likely to occur when a child ingests an adult-strength medicine or when a parent mistakenly gives extra doses of a medicine over several days.

Seventy-five percent of childhood poisonings involve substances that are in use at the time or are not in their usual storage place. Products with an appealing or familiar-looking package, taste or appearance may be more likely to be ingested by a young child. Disruptions in the daily routine may also contribute to poisonings in children. These include a serious family illness, moving, and having visitors.

Poisonings in Adolescents
The number of poisonings in adolescents is lower than in young children, but the situations are often more serious. Poisonings in adolescents have a much higher rate of hospitalization and death. Almost half of all adolescent poisonings are intentional, either as suicide or substance abuse.

Unintentional poisonings in adolescents can occur when product label instructions are not read and followed, or when products are not stored properly. Poisonings occur every year when adolescents mistakenly drink from a drink bottle or pop can in which someone else has improperly stored a chemical such as paint thinner, brake fluid or antifreeze.

Poisonings in Adults
Unintentional poisonings account for over 70% of poisonings in adults. In addition to someone mistakenly ingesting or being exposed to a chemical or drug, unintentional poisonings include medication dosing errors, occupational exposures, bites and stings, and food poisoning. Unintentional poisonings can occur when medications or chemicals are removed from their original containers and put into unlabelled or mislabeled containers. Mistakes can also be made when chemicals are stored near medicines, or when many outdated medications clutter the medicine cabinet. Adults at higher risk are those who have poor vision, are receiving many medications, or have a drug or alcohol abuse problem.

Although unintentional poisonings represent the majority of poisoning situations in adults, most of the poisoning deaths in adults are a result of intentional self-poisoning. The substances associated with largest number of poisoning deaths include analgesics, sedative hypnotics and antipsychotics, stimulants and street drugs, cardiovascular drugs, alcohols, antihistamines, and anticonvulsants.

Poison Prevention Education
Poison prevention education will vary with the age group and whether the poisoning is unintentional or intentional. Poisoning in young children is usually unintentional and education needs to be delivered to parents, grandparents, or babysitters. Prevention messages include how to poison-proof the home, how to store medicines and chemicals properly, what to do if a poisoning occurs despite prevention efforts, and how to contact the poison control centre.

Poison prevention education for unintentional poisonings in adolescents and adults involves increasing general awareness and limiting risky behaviours. Some behaviours that are risky include transferring pills or chemicals from original containers into unlabelled bottles, storing chemicals near medicines, and not reading product label instructions.

Poison prevention education for intentional poisonings (suicides and substance abuse) requires a multifaceted, multidisciplinary approach and may involve pharmacists, nurses, physicians, social workers, counselors, friends, family, crisis centres, mental health workers, and law enforcement.

Springtime Hazards Fact Sheet

Each year in British Columbia over 26,000 poisonings are reported to the B.C. Poison Control Centre. These include both unintentional and intentional poisonings and overdoses. The type of poisons and the approach to preventing a poisoning depends on the age group involved.

More than half of all poisonings involve young children, with children between one and three years of age at highest risk. The situations are mostly unintentional and are a function of the child’s developmental stage. Young children constantly explore and investigate the world around them. The types of poisons in this age group are often things that they encounter in their environment. Unintentional poisonings in adolescents and adults can occur when product label instructions are not read and followed, or when products are not stored properly.

Each season presents unique hazards and spring is no exception. We are often busy spring cleaning and working in the yard, using chemicals and cleaners that we haven’t all year. By increasing our general awareness of some of the springtime hazards we can prevent poisonings in both young children and ourselves.

FERTILIZERS
1. Dolomite lime contains calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.
2. Rapid lime contains magnesium carbonate. DO NOT confuse these products with:
slaked lime contains calcium hydroxide or calcium magnesium hydroxide. Another name for slaked lime is hydrated lime.
unslaked lime is calcium oxide.
agricultural lime may contain calcium oxide (unslaked lime) or calcium hydroxide (slaked lime).
Clinical Effects:
1. Dolomite lime and rapid lime have a low order of toxicity. May be irritating to skin.
2. Agricultural lime ingredients are caustic alkalis and can cause burns.
Recommendations:
Can water lawn immediately after application. Water again before allowing children on the area.

MOSS KILLERS
Usually contain ferrous sulfate as well as ammonium sulfate or possibly zinc sulfate (e.g. roof moss killers).
Clinical Effects:
May be irritating to skin. Can cause vomiting if the powder is swallowed.
Recommendations:
Allow 48 hours after application prior to watering and allowing children on the area.

HERBICIDES
1. Glyphosate (Roundup)
2. 2,4-D and derivatives (e.g. mecoprop, MCPA)
Clinical Effects: Possible skin irritation.
Recommendations:
1. Glyphosate – minimum of 6 hours prior to watering (longer time preferred).
2. 2,4-D and derivatives – minimum of 24 hours prior to watering (48 hours preferred).

INSECTICIDES
Some insecticides may be applied to the lawn (e.g. diazinon).
Clinical Effects: Possible skin and eye irritation. May be irritating if inhaled. Possible serious effects if ingested.
Recommendations: Allow a minimum of 24 hours prior to watering and allowing children on area.

DORMANT OIL
Is usually used in combination with lime sulfur.
Clinical Effects: Low order of toxicity. Can be irritating to the eyes and skin.
Recommendations:
A simple mask (e.g. dust mask) is recommended when spraying to avoid inhalation of mists.
Children should be kept indoors during spraying. Can be allowed outside once droplets have dried.

PLANTS
Azaleas/Rhododendrons – All parts are considered toxic. Azaleas are less toxic than rhododendrons. Symptoms include burning in the mouth, salivation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Crocus – The spring crocus is nontoxic. DO NOT confuse with the Autumn crocus.
Daffodils/Narcissus – All parts of the plant are considered toxic (especially the bulb). May cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Iris – All parts of the plant are considered toxic. May cause mouth, stomach or skin irritation.
Mushrooms – Ingestion of a small mushroom or part of a large one may be toxic.
Prunus species including flowering plum and cherry trees - Cyanogenic glycosides are contained in the seeds of the fruit. Ingestion of 1-2 pits is not considered toxic.
Cherry laurel also contains cyanogenic glycosides. All parts of the plant except the flesh of the berry are considered toxic. The pits of cherry and cherry laurel resist chewing and digestion and are not a problem if swallowed.
Tulips – The bulb is nontoxic but may cause dermatitis.

•for 24 hr poison first aid and treatment information•
BC Poison Control Centre
604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911

Holiday Hazards Fact Sheet

Each season has special hazards and winter holidays are no exception. With the entertaining, gifts and decorations during the holidays, homes can be filled with bright and interesting things. Some can be toxic. Here are a few holiday hazards. If you suspect these substances have poisoned someone, call the BC Poison Control Centre using the 24 hour Poison Line.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Alcohol drinks can cause severe toxicity to a child. Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion and coma, vomiting and low blood sugar, especially in infants and young children.
CANDLES
Wax and synthetic candles have a low order of toxicity. Ingestion may result in diarrhea.
DISC BATTERIES
Button batteries often come with watches, cameras and toys. If swallowed these may lodge in the esophagus or airway and can be an emergency. An initial x-ray is needed to ensure the battery has passed into the stomach. If it passes into the stomach, the stool will need to be checked until the battery passes.
GLOW STICKS
Glow sticks have a low order of toxicity. Biting into these can result in mild oral irritation. A splash in the eye can cause immediate stinging and burning sensation. This generally does not result in burns to the eye.
ICICLES and TINSEL
These are made of plastic with a nontoxic aluminum colouring. Ingestion of a large amount could be a choking hazard.
LAMP OIL
Lamp oil is attractive to children because of its colour and fragrance. Ingestion of a small amount can be serious and lead to coughing, difficulty breathing and chemical pneumonia.
MEAT THERMOMETER
These contain a small amount of ethanol and a red dye. Ingestion of the liquid will not cause toxicity. If the thermometer breaks in the meat, remove that section of meat and any glass particles prior to serving.
PLANTS
Christmas cactus: This plant is nontoxic. Ingestion may cause minor abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea in young children.
Holly: Ingestion of large amounts of leaves or berries can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Ingestion of a few berries may cause only mild symptoms.
Poinsettia: The irritant sap may cause mouth, skin or eye irritation. Serious toxicity is unlikely from ingestion of 1 or 2 leaves but oral irritation, nausea and vomiting may occur.
ROAD SALT
Commonly contains sodium chloride. Ingestion of less than one teaspoonful can cause vomiting but is unlikely to result in serious toxicity. Larger amounts can lead to severe vomiting, seizures and death.
SNOW SCENE GLOBES
Ingestion of the “snow” particles is nontoxic. The liquid is usually water, however, some globes contain toxic ethylene glycol. Contact your poison control centre if the liquid is ingested.
SNOW SPRAY
“Snow” particles are an inert plastic. Ingestion is considered nontoxic but deliberate inhalation of the propellant may cause drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.

FOOD SAFETY

Don't let spoiled food spoil your holidays! Visit www.eatsmartbc.ca for some simple rules to prevent food poisoning.
TURKEY PREPARATION

For information regarding thawing, cooking, preparing and storing your holiday turkey, visit www.butterball.ca.

PET SAFETY

Many people know that chocolate can be dangerous to dogs, but did you know that raisins and grapes, macadamia nuts, and bread dough could be a problem as well? Protect your pets this holiday season - keep Christmas decorations out of reach, and visit the American SPCA's Animal Poison Control Center and the Pet Poison Helpline for more tips on poison prevention for your pet.

•for 24 hr poison first aid and treatment information•
BC Poison Control Centre
604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911