Submitted by Lopez Island Prevention Coalition
You’d never dream your child would be offered pot-laced candies on the playground, but the possibility of this level of access may be more likely than you might think. Everything from chocolates to cereal bars can now be infused with drugs and adults bring these types of “edibles” into homes of where children live.
According to a study by Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, from two years prior to legalization to two years after legalization, Colorado experienced a 34 percent increase in kids hospitalized from marijuana ingestion while the rest of the United States saw a 19 percent increase. Most children had minor effects from the exposure. In serious cases, patients were treated for respiratory depression or coma. JAMA pediatrics advised in their report: “We caution parents to take strict measures to keep these items in child-proof packages, out of sight, and out of reach at all times.”
Another poison that unsuspecting toddlers come across in their homes is something referred to as e-liquid or “smoke-juice.” Nicotine poisoning often causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors and sweating, and can make the heart beat much faster than normal. Severe poisoning can cause seizures.
The first death in the United States related to nicotine poisoning in children was reported in 2014 when a 1-year-old child died from liquid nicotine poisoning. The number of calls to poison control centers regarding such incidents has spiked alongside the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes. Scientists have revealed that around seven children a day accidentally swallow liquid nicotine from e-cigarette refills.
March is National Poison Prevention Month and here are three tips to prevent poisonings:
– Store medicines and hazardous substances out of reach and sight of children.
– Carefully read and follow all labels and directions.
– Use a working carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Finally, keep the Poison Helpline number in your phone: 1-800-222-1222 or inside your kitchen cabinet door.
The Lopez Island Prevention Coalition would like to remind adults to keep all products and food “not for the use of children” out of their reach and sight and keep Lopez families safe.
