The Poison Post - Winter 2007 Edition

The Poison PostTM

National Capital Poison Center eNewsletter

Winter 2007 Edition

Good for Your Car, Bad for Your Kids and Pets

We couldn't drive anywhere without it. But only small amounts are dangerous if your children, pets, or anyone else swallows it. Here's what you need to know.

Why would anyone swallow antifreeze? Children swallow ANYTHING they can reach, just because it's there. Pets lap it up because it's sweet. Adults have been poisoned because someone poured antifreeze into soft drink containers. Antifreeze naturally has a sweet taste, so even adults can be fooled.

How does antifreeze harm you? Antifreeze is tricky. For several hours after someone swallows it, everything seems fine. But the body is busy breaking down the antifreeze (ethylene glycol) into a number of substances that affect your blood chemistry, nervous system, and kidneys. After a few hours, someone poisoned by antifreeze may seem drunk or groggy and complain of stomach distress. After a few more hours, the victim may go into a coma. The kidneys can be damaged and stop making urine. If the victim survives, there may be permanent damage to the kidneys and brain.

How is antifreeze poisoning treated? The best time to treat is BEFORE symptoms develop!! If you think someone has swallowed antifreeze, call the poison center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center experts will tell you exactly what to do. If hospital care is needed, treatment may include an IV antidote and kidney dialysis.

How do I prevent antifreeze poisoning?

Children (and pets) won't swallow or touch anything that's out of their sight and reach. Store antifreeze in its original container, locked where children can't see or reach it. Don't use antifreeze when children or pets are around. Re-close the cap tightly after use. Clean up any spills or leaks immediately. And never transfer antifreeze to another container, especially a food or drink container.

Read on for answers to these anti-freeze questions:

Is there a safer product?

If antifreeze is dangerous to swallow, why does it taste so good?

I change my own antifreeze. What should I do with the old antifreeze?

In This Issue

Antifreeze: Good for Your Car, Bad for Your Kids

What Is This?

A Gift for The Person Who Has Everything

Carbon Monoxide: Still Silent And Still A Killer

Aquadots, In Case You Missed It

What Is This?

A Gift for Someone Who Has Everything

Send a song - even if you can't sing! Send a singing greeting card with a safety message, and personalize the sentiment. It's perfect for the person who has everything, and it's a fun way to keep your family and the families of your loved ones safe this holiday season.

Another way to help keep families safe is to to make a donation to the Poison Center. Be sure the experts who answer your calls will be there to provide life-saving services this year, next year, and beyond.

CARBON MONOXIDE

Still Silent And STILL A Killer!

Make no mistake: carbon monoxide kills. Carbon monoxide gas is produced when ordinary fuels burn, for example gasoline, kerosene, wood, propane, and natural gas. Carbon monoxide gives no hint of its presence; it is colorless and odorless. When you breathe it in, carbon monoxide prevents your blood cells from carrying enough oxygen. The brain and heart suffer quickly, but all body organs are harmed by lack of oxygen. High levels of carbon monoxide can kill quickly, but even low levels can have long-lasting effects. Permanent brain damage can result. Read more...

Aquadots, If You Missed It

If you did your holiday shopping early, you may have some Aquadots lurking in a closet. Be sure they don't make it to a child's pile of gifts. adots

In a manufacturing misstep, some Aquadots were treated with a chemical that actually breaks down into a drug called GHB if swallowed. This drug can cause coma within a short time and, in fact, several children have been hospitalized for treatment.

Aquadots are designed to be formed into a sculpture and sprayed with water, but some children swallowed the small, brightly colored spheres. Return Aquadots to the store where purchased for a refund.

The National Capital Poison Center depends on generous contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations. In addition, partial funding is provided through grants and contracts from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the State of Maryland, the Department of Health of the District of Columbia, the United Way of the National Capital Area, and the Combined Federal Campaign.