Prof Madya Dr Mohamed Isa Abdul Majid
The Sun, May 9,1995
Many substances can cause poisoning; medications in excessive doses; cleaning agents; pesticides; chemicals used in the industry, in the home or In agriculture.
Plants can also be poisonous - including many decorative and edible plants such as mushroom. Food that is contaminated with bacteria can cause severe poisoning too!
In most cases of poisonings, the victims especially children were not aware of the danger posed by the commonly available substances in their homes.
The negligence of this simple fact by the victims or their parent gave rise to what is known as ACCIDENTAL POISONINGS. A survey conducted by the American Association of Poison Control centre in 1989 showed that nearly 89% of the reported poisoning cases in the United States were as a result of accidental poisoning.
Poisoning may occur following the inhalation of toxic gases or fumes, from taking the wrong dose of a medication, or from drinking poison that was stored in a bottle or container usually used for beverages.
Accidental poisoning normally occurs in children which are almost entirely the result of inadequate and improper supervision in an unsafe environment. An important point to note is that in accidental poisoning involving both adult and children, most cases occur in the home.
Parents are the first line of defense against such poisoning. Be aware of the dangers in your home and take steps to make it poison-proof. Preventive measures now can prevent a future tragedy in your home. In adult, most poisonings are usually the result of a suicide attempt or murder but it may also be accidental-mishaps in the home, in industry or in a laboratory.
Of the household products, the known list of hazardous materials includes the following:
Soap and detergents
The danger associated with these common household products are related to their irritant and caustic-burning-properties. Automatic dishwasher detergents may be severely caustic. Some commercial detergents and softeners especially those with a high alkaline content are potentially caustic.
Cosmetic and personalised items
Baby powder used by mother as a dusting agent for the newborn and younger child can cause a very serious type of pneumonia. Deodorants and colognes contain a high amount of alcohol (up to 90%) and may lead to alcohol poisoning when ingested by children. Such cases can result in depression of the central nervous system.
Hydrocarbons
The accidental ingestion of kerosene and other petroleum products normally occurs through the use of drinking bottles or jars as containers to store such products. This is especially true for children.
Decorative plants
Plants like Jimsonweed or locally known as kecubung contain poisonous belladonna alkaloids which can cause severe poisoning when chewed or sucked. Recognising and removing such plants will prevent accidental poisoning.
Mothballs
Mothballs or naphthalene may often look like candies and are often found on floors and in clothing cabinets. They can be easily ingested by children, resulting in a severe poisoning. Ensure that mothballs are hung in a locked clothing cabinet.
Insecticides and other pesticides
Household aerosols such as pressurised insecticide sprays can easily release their content when a slight pressure is applied to which a child can easily perform. In addition, these containers cannot withstand heat as they can easily blow up. Always ensure that these products are stored in a cool place and away from children.
Stationery such as colour pencils
A recent ban on several products ranging from colour pencils, crayons and water colours for excessive level of certain heavy metals has shown the potential of poisoning among school children. Always ensure that the stationery are used in a proper manner and avoid the use of banned products.
Pharmaceuticals
Medications such as aspirin and antihistamines are common household drugs. These drugs come in all sizes and shapes and in a multitude of pretty colours which make them even more enticing and attractive to a child who associates these colours and shapes with sweets. Keep away from children.
Prevention of poisoning requires the following steps:
- adequate knowledge of the hazardous properties of the household products'
- how to use them safety including suitable protective measures,
- storing them in the safest possible means
- disposing them in a proper manner that will prevent any deleterious effect to the environment and other living things.
