Denton County Living Well Magazine July/August 2020 | Page 46

By Kimberly Blaker
SERIOUS
ACCIDENTAL
POISONING IS
on the Rise
Poisoning is the number one cause of injury-related
deaths in the U.S., according to a 2019 report by
the American Association of Poison Control Centers
(AAPCC). More than 2 million cases of human
poison exposure in the U.S. were reported in 2017
alone. While less severe poison exposures have decreased
in recent years, more serious exposures have been on the
rise, according to the AAPCC annual report. Since 2000,
serious cases have grown by 4.44% per year ranging
from moderate severity to death. As would be expected,
children under the age of 6 disproportionately account for
45% of all poisonings. Yet more serious cases of poisoning
are often among teens and adults.
TOP 5 POISON EXPOSURES
The following result in the most poisonings each year, according
to the AAPCC.
Analgesics. Painkillers and fever reducers are found in
nearly every home, and most people use them from timeto-time.
These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen,
among others. As a result, they’re among the top
causes of poisonings.
When administering analgesics to a child, pay close attention
to the recommended dosage. Also, make sure everyone
in the home knows the exact time your grandchild
took the last dose to avoid the risk of an overdose. The best
method to prevent such errors is to keep a written log of the
time and dose given. Also, keep containers without child
safety caps locked up.
Of particular note, children shouldn’t take aspirin because
it increases the risk for Reye Syndrome.
Analgesics can also be poisonous to pets, particularly
smaller animals. So don’t give your pet analgesics without
talking to your veterinarian first.