$Unique_ID{BRK01067}
$Pretitle{Accidents, Poisoning, and Violence}
$Title{What Can be Done to Keep Things Out of a Child's Reach?}
$Subject{poison hazards}
$Volume{O-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Can be Done to Keep Things Out of a Child's Reach?


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QUESTION:  My two-year old gave me a scare the other day.  I found her putting
a strawberry-scented air freshener stick in her mouth!  I never thought to
keep things like that out of her reach.  What can I do about this problem?

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ANSWER:  Many supposedly "harmless" items can be lethal for a child who can't
yet distinguish between food and inedible objects.  Curious toddlers between
the ages of one and three are especially attracted to objects with appealing
scents, colors or shapes.  And since, unfortunately, there are no federal
regulations governing packaging, manufacturers continue to make products that
can be confusing for this age group.  One common pitfall is pills that look
like candy.  M & M's, Good 'n Plenti, and Chicklets gum all look like common
vitamin supplements or medications which can prove toxic to youngsters.  Toy
medicine kits with edible sugar "medicine" only confuse a child further.
Never cajole a child into taking medication by telling him it "tastes like
candy."  And keep all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, locked
away.  Avoid buying novelty candies shaped like batteries or matchsticks; they
may tempt a child to eat the real thing later on.  Also, keep out of reach
inedible or toxic household items that look or smell food-like; plastic
food-shaped toys, or sweet-scented shampoo, mouthwash or household cleaners.
Even worse, manufacturers are now packaging many non-food items in familiar
looking food containers which even fool adults.  Report any item you feel is a
potential hazard to the Product Safety Commission, 1-800-638-2772.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
