The Unseen Dangers: Understanding and Preventing Poisoning

At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, we're committed to building communities that are safe from all threats, visible and invisible. Poisoning is one of those unseen dangers that can strike unexpectedly, often in the most familiar places – our homes and workplaces. From common household cleaners to medications, many substances can become harmful if misused. Understanding what poisons are, how they enter the body, and how to prevent exposure is crucial for protecting our loved ones and colleagues.

What is a Poison? Understanding the Pathways

A poison is any substance that has a harmful effect within the body if it is inhaled, swallowed (ingested), absorbed through the skin, or injected. Even substances meant to be taken into the body, like medications, can be poisonous if taken by the wrong person or in excessive amounts. Combining certain substances can also lead to poisoning.  

Poisons can enter the body through four main pathways :  

1. Swallowed Poisons: Enter through the mouth, lips, esophagus, or stomach (e.g., drinking bleach).  

2. Inhaled Poisons: Are breathed into the body (e.g., carbon monoxide, which we covered in Week 31, or toxic fumes from chemicals).  

3. Absorbed Poisons: Enter the body through the skin (e.g., contact with certain plants like poison ivy or chemicals).  

4. Injected Poisons: Enter the body through bites or stings (e.g., snakebites, insect stings) or as drugs injected with a needle.  

Children under 5 years old, especially toddlers, are at the highest risk for poisoning, often attracted to colorful liquids or pills that resemble candy. Older adults with confusion or impaired vision are also at higher risk.  

Identifying Hazardous Materials: Your Visual Cues

Many products, especially in the workplace, carry international hazard symbols that make it easier to identify harmful materials. These symbols indicate risks like flammability, toxicity, explosiveness, or corrosiveness. Always read warnings and instructions carefully, and wear protective equipment like eye goggles, face masks, and disposable gloves when handling such products.  

Common household items that can be poisonous include :  

• Alcohol (in hand sanitizers, mouthwash, perfumes)

• Medications (over-the-counter and prescription) and vitamins

• Cleaning products (especially detergent "pods" which are attractive to children)

• Glues and paints

• Insect and weed killers

• Car products (antifreeze, windshield washer fluid)

• Certain plants (houseplants and outdoor plants)

• Tobacco

Prevention is Paramount: Safeguarding Your Environment

The best way to deal with poisoning is to prevent it from happening.

At Home :  

• Secure Storage: Keep all medications, household cleaning products, poisonous plants, and other toxic substances well out of reach of children, ideally in locked cupboards or with child-resistant latches.

• Original Containers: Keep potentially poisonous products in their original containers with their original labels.

• Educate Children: Never call medicine "candy." Teach children to check with an adult before eating any unknown substance.

• Proper Disposal: Carefully dispose of expired medications through your local hazardous waste process.

• Ventilation: Use potentially poisonous chemicals in a well-ventilated area.

In the Workplace :  

• Clear Labeling: Clearly label all toxic substances. Never use a product that is not clearly identified.

• Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): Have a detailed Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available for every hazardous substance.

• Training: Ensure workers exposed to hazardous materials receive proper training in safety measures and emergency procedures.

• Follow Instructions: Read all warning labels, tags, and posters, and follow their instructions carefully.

General Care for Poisoning: When to Call

If you suspect poisoning, look for clues like an open container, unusual odor, burns around the mouth, or other people in the area feeling ill.  

Your immediate action:

• Call Poison Control or EMS/911: If the person is responsive and alert and their ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) are unaffected, call your local Poison Control Centre.  

• Call EMS/911 and get an AED immediately if: The person has an altered level of responsiveness, difficulty breathing, or if you are unsure whether to call Poison Control or EMS.  

• Limit Exposure: Move the person away from the poison source, or remove the source if safe to do so.  

• Do NOT Induce Vomiting: Never give the person anything to eat or drink, or try to make them vomit, unless specifically instructed by EMS or Poison Control. Inducing vomiting can cause additional harm.  

• Save Samples: If the person vomits, save a sample or the original container to give to EMS personnel.  

By being vigilant and informed, we can significantly reduce the risk of poisoning in our homes and communities. Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies is dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge to create safer environments for everyone.

Action Item:

For companies aiming to streamline safety protocols and maintain comprehensive records, sign up for online safety training management for their company. This system can help track hazardous material training, safety data sheet accessibility, and incident reports, ensuring a proactive approach to workplace safety.