Some Poisoning Guidelines for Parents, Children, Baby Sitters

Of the estimated 10,000 poisonings each day in the United States, about seven of every 10 incidents involve children under age 5.

The data, supplied by the American Assn. of Poison Control Centers, reveals that poisoning incidents are responsible for one of every 10 emergency department visits.

Since many household poisonings occur when parents are away from home, the centers recommend that sitters and children be instructed on how to avoid or react to poisonings. Some guidelines stressed for baby sitters include:

--Always take children with you when answering phones or doors, and never leave them alone in a room.

--Never leave open bottles of medicine or cleaners within a child’s reach.

--Call the poison control center immediately if a child is suspected of being exposed to a possibly toxic substance.

--Display in a prominent spot an “Emergency Action for Poisoning” information card which can be obtained free by sending a post card to: Emergency Action for Poisoning, Communications Department, McNeil Consumer Products Co., Camp Hill Road, Fort Washington, Penn. 19034.