PARENTS APP UP AGAINST POISONING
AMA Queensland is advising parents to look out for toxic terrors lurking in their home after research released today* indicated poisoning as Australia’s number two cause of accidental death.
AMA Queensland President Dr Gino Pecoraro said poisoning is one of the major causes of hospital admissions for children between the ages of one and four** and recommended parents be prepared by keeping the Poison Hotline (131126) number handy at all times.
“AMA Queensland recently released a free AMA ‘Find a Doctor’ iPhone App which provides the user with access to the Poison Hotline from anywhere in Australia in a few simple taps. We urge all Australian parents to either download the free iPhone App or save the Poison Hotline number in their phone,” Dr Pecoraro said.
“Poisoning is surprisingly common and after the chaos caused by floods. Items have been dislodged or now moved from safe places and can easily fall into the hands of a child.
“Many towns have had chemicals from farms miles away wash into yards.
“Hazards once hidden or stored up high may now have fallen or been moved. We urge anyone in a house disrupted by rain or flood to look around their home and ensure any poisonous items are safely stored or removed.
“Floods have caused an increased prevalence in venomous snakes but the most likely cause of poisoning is toxic substances around the house and garden.
“Lethal items lurk inside every Australian home. What you think is harmless can be harmful.
“Everyday health and beauty products such as nail polish and remover, hair dyes, deodorant, perfume and aftershave as well as essential oils, chest rubs, toilet rim blocks and matches can cause injury.
“The garage and garden shed another likely haven for hazards such as pesticides, pool chemicals, paints and degreasers.
“These everyday items can cause everything from rashes, eye irritation, nausea to severe burns and in some cases kill.”
Dr Pecoraro also warned some common plants found in most Australian backyards can be extremely hazardous.
“Children are prone to putting things in their mouths, especially little berries or fruits so it’s important to learn about the plants and chemicals used in the garden,” Dr Pecoraro said.
Parents can stay prepared and instantly access the Poisons Hotline or their nearest GP through the new free AMA ‘Find a Doctor’ iPhone application.
“The AMA Queensland ‘Find a Doctor’ iPhone app can give a parent some peace of mind that in an emergency guidance is only a phone call away.”
AMA Queensland has suggested some tips to tame toxic terrors:
Pinpoint Perilous Plants
Your garden may not be a ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ but plants can be poisonous. Learn about toxic plants and mushrooms and teach your kids which not to touch, and especially which not to eat.
Dangerous plants commonly found in the back garden are: White Cedar, Lantana, Foxglove, Angels Trumpet, Golden Dewdrop and Green-Spored Parasol and Haymaker mushrooms.
Guard the Garage
When storing toxic substances in the garage or shed make sure they are high and out of reach.
Unsafe materials include fertilizer, paint thinners, oil and petrol. Check regularly for spiders or snakes in out of the way areas.
Pop Away the Pills
Kids like to mimic their parents so keep medicine under lock and key (even those kept in the fridge) and avoid taking pills in front of your children.
Don’t Disguise
Keep anything hazardous in childproof cupboards or drawers and never transfer poisons to another container, especially drink or food containers.
Chuck Out the Chemicals
Check with your local council how to safely dispose of chemicals and throw out anything you don’t need.
To download the free ‘Find a Doctor’ App, visit the Apple iPhone application store at www.apple.com/iphones/apps-for-iphones or visit www.amafindadoctor.com.au.
