Beckley, WV (WOAY) – The West Virginia Poison Center launched a statewide campaign this week called Little Hands, Big Curiosities – warning that children under the age of 6 are most vulnerable to accidental exposure to poisoning from every day household items.
Beckley Fire Department Captain Chris Graham says some of the biggest culprits are ones kids are naturally drawn to:
“A lot of cleaners, they’re quite colorful to catch your eye, but they also catch children’s eyes and they don’t realize that it could be something dangerous”, said Graham. “One of the biggest issues are the detergent pods. They’re kind of like a jelly. They feel like candy maybe, and a child can put them in their mouth easily.”
The Poison Center recommends locking up medications and cleaners and keeping them in their original containers, but Captain Hraham says there’s a hazard most parents wouldn’t think to consider:
“The little batteries, little button batteries, children can swallow those and would be very toxic once they get them into their digestive system,” Graham explained. “So it’s one of those things that we may not always think about something being dangerous, but can be very dangerous. ”
If exposure does happen, parents may feel compelled to try to treat their child until help arrives, but that can come with risks as well.
“I wouldn’t try to give them anything because you don’t know how it’s going to react with the chemical they’ve ingested. I would just definitely call 911, get help.” said Graham.
You can reach the West Virginia Poison Center’s helpline at (800)-222-1222. It is free and confidential to all West Virginians, connecting residents with trained medical experts around the clock. In an emergency, call 911.
