Facts on Poisoning

A 'poison' is a substance that can cause injury, illness or death. 'Poisoning' occurs when a poison enters the body in a sufficient quantity to cause harm. Poisons can enter the body in a variety of ways. For example, they may be swallowed, splashed in the eye, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

Each year about 7000 Canadians are reported ill from food poisoning. Sometimes, however, food poisoning is not reported. Health officials suggest that the actual number of Canadians that become ill from food poisoning is closer to 2 million.

Who is at risk?

Food poisoning can be mild or very severe. In some cases, it can even cause death. Those at greatest risk for food poisoning include the very young, the elderly, pregnant women, ill people, and those with less resistance to illness.

What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

The most common symptoms of food poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps. 

What are some common food poisoning bacteria?

Most food poisoning is caused by bacteria. The most common food poisoning bacteria are:

• Salmonella
• Campylobacter
• E. coli O157:H7
• Clostridium perfringens
• Staphylococcus aureus

Bacteria are living organisms and need warmth, moisture and food. Bacteria grow very well in perishable foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. That is why perishable foods need special care in the kitchen and outdoors.

Potential Poisons

Potential poisons are found in a wide variety of places in our everyday environments. As a result, it's important to recognize potential poisons and to take steps to make sure that your environment is safe. Some examples of potential poisons are:

• over the counter and prescription medications 
• vitamins and minerals
• herbal products
• laundry and household cleaning products
• first aid solutions and creams
• alcoholic beverages/vanilla extract
• after shaves and colognes
• cosmetics and perfumes
• rubbing alcohol
• hair spray and hair care products
• antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, gasoline, motor oil, and other car care products
• paint and paint thinner
• kerosene
• lighter fluid
• insecticides
• fertilizers
• mothballs
• craft & hobby supplies
• plants (especially diefenbachia, philodendron, and some types of ivy and fern)
• tobacco products

NOTE: No list is ever complete - when in doubt, assume a product is poisonous.

Poison Prevention

Since it's unlikely that you will remove all of these potential poisons from your environment, poison prevention becomes a matter of making sure that these items are stored and used safely. For example:

• Keep all chemicals, medicines and other potential poisons out of sight and out of reach of children or confused adults. Ideally, these items should be kept in a locked or child-proof cupboard. Most of the safety latches used on cupboards, etc. will only slow a child down, but do not make the cupboard 'child-proof'.
• Be aware that children are naive, curious and quick. They also like to imitate the behavior of others. These traits put them at higher risk for poisoning. 
• Prepare ahead for your children's abilities. Anticipate that they may soon be able to reach areas that they were previously unable to reach and take steps to make your environment safe.
• Watch children closely when they are in someone else's home or when there are visitors nearby - they may not be as aware of the need for a safe environment.
• Use child resistant containers with safety caps for all potentially poisonous products.
• Make sure the container is closed properly and returned to a safe place after each use.
• When a potentially poisonous product is being used, never leave young children alone with the product. If you are interrupted while using the product, take either the child or the product with you (to answer the phone or doorbell, for example).
• Keep products in their original containers. If a product must be moved out of its original container, make sure to label the new container and include any emergency poisoning instructions on the new label. Pour solutions carefully so that the label stays dry and readable.
• Read product labels carefully before using and follow the directions for safe use.
• Avoid distractions when giving or taking medications. Check the label and dosage carefully each time and use a proper measuring device (syringe or exact dose spoon) if required. 
• When giving a medication to a child, never refer to it as 'candy'. Be extra careful with medications that your child likes the taste of (e.g. chewable vitamins or fruit flavored syrups).
• Never take medications in front of children - they love to imitate others. 
• Clean out medicine cabinets regularly - return any medications that you don't use, or ones that have expired, to the pharmacy so your pharmacist can dispose of them safely. Throwing medications out in the garbage or flushing them down the toilet is not recommended.
• It's best to keep all plants out of the reach of young children who may be tempted to eat them. It's also wise for you to know the names of all of the plants on your home and garden. While most plants cause only minor effects such as pain, irritation and swelling if eaten, some plants can cause illness and even death.
• Store food and potential poisons separately so there will be no confusion about which is which. Never put a potential poison in a container that is meant for food or beverages. 
• Ensure that there is good ventilation when using products that have fumes.