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Out of Site and Locked up Tight

May 31, 2012 | 11:52 AM

This week is national Poison Prevention week. The theme “Out of Site and Locked up Tight,” asks all of us to take responsibility to ensure regular household cleaners and other chemicals are stored safely.

Curious little children or pets can and will find things to get into. By storing chemicals like soap, laundry detergent, bleach, general purpose cleaners and more out of reach is the safest and best way. Many chemicals can be extremely dangerous, so limiting the chance of exposure is the best method of prevention. Bright coloured containers, fancy packages like detergent packets for the dishwasher will attract the curios child. Substances like fertilizer or other garden chemicals are even more attractive to your pets.

“What to do if you suspect your child has ingested a chemical? Ask yourself these simple questions:

1) is the child awake and responding to simple commands

2) is the child breathing and breathing normally

3) does the child have any visible serious injury

If you’ve answered no to the first two questions then dial 9-1-1 immediately and request immediate paramedic help. You may have a very serious emergency. If you answered yes to those questions and while the situation maybe significant contacting poison control is your next best choice. Not your family doctor and not the local hospital but poison control. The number in the front cover of your phone book is 1-866-454-1212. The excellent resource personnel will guide you to best solution to your problem. Do not use your own first aid tips like making the person vomit or drink milk; follow the instructions of the poison control personnel. Please try and have the product in front of you!”

Whenever you use chemicals whether simple household products or garden products, read the label first. Wear any recommended protective equipment and follow all safety precautions. Pouring fertilizer on the lawn where the pets and kids might play a short time later is not a good plan. Be safe at home and in the community at all times.

As we head into summer and the soon to be mosquito season, remember bug spray is also an effective treatment against the recent high numbers of ticks. The higher the DEET concentration in the repellent formula, the longer it provides protection. While this is true for protection against both mosquitos and ticks, DEET repels mosquitos for a longer duration than for ticks. When seeking protection against ticks, look for a product that specifies use for ticks. Health Canada has approved the following concentrations for different age groups. Prolonged use should be avoided in children under the age of 12.

• Up to 30% concentration of DEET for adults and children over 12 years of age. One application of 30% DEET should be effective for six hours against mosquitos.

• Up to 10% concentration for children aged two to 12, applied up to three times daily. One application of 10% DEET should be effective for three hours against mosquitos.

• Up to 10% concentration for children aged six months to two years, applied no more than once daily. One application of 10% DEET offers three hours of protection against mosquitos.

Do not use personal insect repellents containing DEET on infants less than six months of age. Use a mosquito net when the child is outdoors in a crib, playpen or stroller.

Enjoy your spring and most of get outside and the sunshine while getting some exercise.