Helpful Information & Safety Hints from the New England Regional Poison Control Centers

The Poison Control News is an informative quarterly newsletter produced in collaboration by thethree New England Regional Poison Control Centers. Working together through a grant from theHealth Resources and Services Administration, this newsletter focuses on topics such as seasonal poison prevention tips, access to poison centers and understanding the risks and avoidance of envi-ronmental poisons.

If you have any poisoning questions or concerns, call your poison center using the national toll-freenumber 1-800-222-1222. You will be connected to your designated poison center: ConnecticutPoison Control Center, Massachusetts/Rhode Island Regional Center for Poison Control andPrevention, and Northern New England Poison Center serving Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont.

Poison ControlNews

Summer 2005

Tips for a Safe TripMelissa Heinen, MPH, Northern New England Poison Center

Planning for a trip can be tricky - predictingthe weather, deciding what to bring, and

packing your medications safely. Safely packing your medicines can be easy

if you know these helpful medication tips.• Bring more than you need in case of travel

delays. • Pack medications in your carry-on luggage if

you are flying. * You will have access to them during your flight.* This ensures you will have your medications

even if your checked-in luggage gets lost.• Store medications in their original container.

* This prevents taking the wrong medication. * This is necessary to pass through airport

security and border crossings. • Do an accurate count of your pills before you

leave. This will help the poison center deter-mine the risk involved in cases of accidentaloverdose or ingestion.

• Consult with your physician or pharmacist ifyou are traveling through several time zones todevelop a specific plan to adjust the timingand dosage of your medications.

Are you planning on visiting a hot, humidclimate? Keep your medications in a cool, dryplace out of direct sunlight. If traveling by car,do not store medications in the glove compart-ment or trunk. Heat and humidity can affectmedications. If involved in water activities, besure that medications are kept cool, secure andin a waterproof container.

Whether you are home or on the road,there are several basic medication safety tips

1

Spotlight on…..

3

(including prescription, over-the-counter anddietary supplements), the doses, schedule andyour physicians’ and pharmacy’s phone numbers.

• Wear a medical-alert bracelet or necklace ifyou have allergies.

• Remember, 1-800-222-1222 is a free, confi-dential 24-hour national helpline. Call for apoison emergency, prevention tips or medica-tion questions.

El Planear para un viaje puede ser difícil-predi-ciendo el tiempo, decidiendo que traer y el

empacar los medicamentos con seguridad.

Consejos a seguir para como empacar susmedicamentos y sus viajes sean placentero:

• Mantenga con usted dosis de medicamentosadicionales por algún retraso de vuelo.

• Mantenga sus medicamentos con usted si estavolando.1. Usted tendrá acceso a su medicamento

durante su vuelo.2. Esto le asegura que usted tendrá sus medica-

mentos con usted por si su equipaje de via-jes se extravíe.

• Mantenga sus medicamentos en sus envasesoriginales.1. Estos puede prevenir tomar el medicamento

equivocado2. Estos es necesario para pasar a través de la

seguridad y la frontera del aeropuerto.

• Consulte con su médico o farmacéutico siusted esta viajando de varias zonas de tiempopara desarrollar un plan específico para ajustarla sincronización y la dosificación de susmedicamentos.

Si usted esta planeando viajar a un lugarcaliente o húmedo, mantenga sus medicamentosen lugar fresco y no mantenerlas directo al sol.Si esta viajando en un auto no mantener sumedicamento en compartimiento del auto o enel cajón trasero. Calor y humedad puede afec-tarle. Si esta implicado a un deporte acuáticoasegúrese mantener su medicamento en lugarfresco y en un envase a prueba de agua.

Si usted esta en su hogar o de viaje hay variosconsejos básicos de seguridad a seguir.

• No almacene sus medicamentos en el cuartode baño cuando la humedad y caloraumenta.

• Almacene sus medicamentos en envases aresistencia a niños.

• Almacene siempre el monedero o la maletafuera del alcance del niño.

• No temo las medicinas al frente de los niños.Los niños usualmente les gusta imitar al adulto.

• Lleve siempre una lista completa de sus medi-cinas incluyendo recetas, venta libre y suple-mentos dietéticas, las dosis, horario de susmedicinas y los números de teléfonos de sumédico y farmacéuticos.

2

Consejos para un Viaje SeguroSPANISH TRANSLATION

• Use un pulsero o un collar donde alerta almédico si usted tiene alergias.

• Recuerde él numero 1-800-222-1222 es gratisla llamada, confidencial y las 24 horasnacionalmente. Llame al Centro deEnvenenamiento en caso de emergencia, oconsejos como prevenir envenenamiento oalguna pregunta sobre sus medicamentos.

you should follow. • Do not store medications in the bathroom

where humidity and heat build up. • Always store medications in child-resistant

containers.• Keep your purse or suitcase up high and out of

reach of children. • Don’t take medications in the presence of

children. They like to imitate adults. • Always carry a complete list of your medicines

A previous newsletter article discussed the twospiders that cause the most serious enveno-

mations in the United States: the Black Widowand the Brown Recluse.

Some of the most feared spiders however areperfectly harmless. While the daddy longlegsspider can grow to sizes of three inchesacross, they generally avoid people and are notknown to bite.

Tarantulas are often shown in horror moviesand at Halloween. Most of these scary, hairyspiders are completely harmless however if leftalone. Tarantulas are shy and non-aggressive bynature. They have very little venom and thebite of the American tarantula is usually noworse than one from its smaller cousins. Thebite of some tropical species may cause smalllesions.

Tarantula owners and handlers should becareful to avoid harassing these creaturesthough. When a tarantula feels threatened itwill use its hind legs to throw barbed hairs off ofits abdomen. These hairs, called urticatinghairs, can get into the eye, nose andthroat, causing irritation and respira-tory symptoms. If you to come incontact with a tarantula rememberthese tips:

• Always wash your hands after handling atarantula

• Be aware of its posture.• Call the poison center or consult with your

physician if you develop pain and redness inone or both of your eyes, or respiratory issues.

• Unless you are allergic, most insect and spiderbites can be treated with cold compresses,analgesics and antihistamines as needed.

• Any bite area that develops increased pain,swelling or redness in the area should be eval-uated by a physician.

Arachnaphobia II

Vilma Rodríguez, El Centro de Envenenamiento Sirviendo Massachussets y Rhode Island

Poison Myths & Misconceptions

Deborah Haber, Manager, MA/RI RegionalCenter for Poison Control and Prevention

Glow in the dark! Glowsticks, necklaces and bracelets are popular

trinkets. The liquid inside is called dibutyl phtha-

late. If the liquid leaks out and gets on the skin

or in the mouth, it could cause some irritation.

Wash the exposed skin with soap and water. If

some of the product gets in the mouth, rinse out

the mouth and drink some water or milk. Call

your poison center if you suspect someone may

have had an exposure.

Party time! In the summer, there are lots of parties, familyreunions and get togethers. Left over cups, glass-es, bottles and cans may contain alcoholic bever-ages or cigarette butts. If children drink fromthese containers or eat cigarettes, it can be verydangerous. Make sure these containers are emp-tied as soon as possible and not left sitting out.

3

(including prescription, over-the-counter anddietary supplements), the doses, schedule andyour physicians’ and pharmacy’s phone numbers.

• Wear a medical-alert bracelet or necklace ifyou have allergies.

• Remember, 1-800-222-1222 is a free, confi-dential 24-hour national helpline. Call for apoison emergency, prevention tips or medica-tion questions.

El Planear para un viaje puede ser difícil-predi-ciendo el tiempo, decidiendo que traer y el

empacar los medicamentos con seguridad.

Consejos a seguir para como empacar susmedicamentos y sus viajes sean placentero:

• Mantenga con usted dosis de medicamentosadicionales por algún retraso de vuelo.

• Mantenga sus medicamentos con usted si estavolando.1. Usted tendrá acceso a su medicamento

durante su vuelo.2. Esto le asegura que usted tendrá sus medica-

mentos con usted por si su equipaje de via-jes se extravíe.

• Mantenga sus medicamentos en sus envasesoriginales.1. Estos puede prevenir tomar el medicamento

equivocado2. Estos es necesario para pasar a través de la

seguridad y la frontera del aeropuerto.

• Consulte con su médico o farmacéutico siusted esta viajando de varias zonas de tiempopara desarrollar un plan específico para ajustarla sincronización y la dosificación de susmedicamentos.

Si usted esta planeando viajar a un lugarcaliente o húmedo, mantenga sus medicamentosen lugar fresco y no mantenerlas directo al sol.Si esta viajando en un auto no mantener sumedicamento en compartimiento del auto o enel cajón trasero. Calor y humedad puede afec-tarle. Si esta implicado a un deporte acuáticoasegúrese mantener su medicamento en lugarfresco y en un envase a prueba de agua.

Si usted esta en su hogar o de viaje hay variosconsejos básicos de seguridad a seguir.

• No almacene sus medicamentos en el cuartode baño cuando la humedad y caloraumenta.

• Almacene sus medicamentos en envases aresistencia a niños.

• Almacene siempre el monedero o la maletafuera del alcance del niño.

• No temo las medicinas al frente de los niños.Los niños usualmente les gusta imitar al adulto.

• Lleve siempre una lista completa de sus medi-cinas incluyendo recetas, venta libre y suple-mentos dietéticas, las dosis, horario de susmedicinas y los números de teléfonos de sumédico y farmacéuticos.

2

Consejos para un Viaje SeguroSPANISH TRANSLATION

• Use un pulsero o un collar donde alerta almédico si usted tiene alergias.

• Recuerde él numero 1-800-222-1222 es gratisla llamada, confidencial y las 24 horasnacionalmente. Llame al Centro deEnvenenamiento en caso de emergencia, oconsejos como prevenir envenenamiento oalguna pregunta sobre sus medicamentos.

you should follow. • Do not store medications in the bathroom

where humidity and heat build up. • Always store medications in child-resistant

containers.• Keep your purse or suitcase up high and out of

reach of children. • Don’t take medications in the presence of

children. They like to imitate adults. • Always carry a complete list of your medicines

A previous newsletter article discussed the twospiders that cause the most serious enveno-

mations in the United States: the Black Widowand the Brown Recluse.

Some of the most feared spiders however areperfectly harmless. While the daddy longlegsspider can grow to sizes of three inchesacross, they generally avoid people and are notknown to bite.

Tarantulas are often shown in horror moviesand at Halloween. Most of these scary, hairyspiders are completely harmless however if leftalone. Tarantulas are shy and non-aggressive bynature. They have very little venom and thebite of the American tarantula is usually noworse than one from its smaller cousins. Thebite of some tropical species may cause smalllesions.

Tarantula owners and handlers should becareful to avoid harassing these creaturesthough. When a tarantula feels threatened itwill use its hind legs to throw barbed hairs off ofits abdomen. These hairs, called urticatinghairs, can get into the eye, nose andthroat, causing irritation and respira-tory symptoms. If you to come incontact with a tarantula rememberthese tips:

• Always wash your hands after handling atarantula

• Be aware of its posture.• Call the poison center or consult with your

physician if you develop pain and redness inone or both of your eyes, or respiratory issues.

• Unless you are allergic, most insect and spiderbites can be treated with cold compresses,analgesics and antihistamines as needed.

• Any bite area that develops increased pain,swelling or redness in the area should be eval-uated by a physician.

Arachnaphobia II

Vilma Rodríguez, El Centro de Envenenamiento Sirviendo Massachussets y Rhode Island

Poison Myths & Misconceptions

Deborah Haber, Manager, MA/RI RegionalCenter for Poison Control and Prevention

Glow in the dark! Glowsticks, necklaces and bracelets are popular

trinkets. The liquid inside is called dibutyl phtha-

late. If the liquid leaks out and gets on the skin

or in the mouth, it could cause some irritation.

Wash the exposed skin with soap and water. If

some of the product gets in the mouth, rinse out

the mouth and drink some water or milk. Call

your poison center if you suspect someone may

have had an exposure.

Party time! In the summer, there are lots of parties, familyreunions and get togethers. Left over cups, glass-es, bottles and cans may contain alcoholic bever-ages or cigarette butts. If children drink fromthese containers or eat cigarettes, it can be verydangerous. Make sure these containers are emp-tied as soon as possible and not left sitting out.

5

How does your garden

grow? In the summer,people are mowinglawns, trimminghedges and plantinggardens. This canmean containers ofpesticides, fertilizers,and gasoline arearound the yard andgarage. Make surethese products aretightly closed andplaced high out ofreach of children.Pesticides andgasoline productscan be dangerous ifingested. If you sus-pect your child hasgotten into any of

these prod-ucts, callyour poisoncenter rightaway.

Red Tide What is Red Tide? Red Tide is formed when large numbers of microscopic organisms called plankton

bloom. When counts are especially high, the water can have a reddish tint. The plankton make saxitoxin, which

builds up in some of the shellfish that eat the plankton. When red tide is in an area, shellfish like clams and

oysters cannot be harvested. Saxitoxin, if eaten, will cause a tingling and burning sensation in the hands, feet and lips. In

severe cases, those affected may have difficulty breathing. Symptoms develop in about 30 minutes. Cooking the shellfish

will not kill the toxin. If you suspect a problem or have questions, call your poison center.

In the News...

Seasonal Poison Prevention Tips

4

Afour year old nibbles on Mom’s green ironpill thinking it is a coated green candy. A

six year old is hungry for a sweet treat and eatsthe entire bottle of his gummi bear vitamins.The poison center receives calls every dayinvolving children who mistake medicine forcandy. It can even be difficult for an adult totell the difference.

Candies and medicines often have a similarsize, shape, and color. Pills, melt-a-ways, liq-uids, and chewables are just a few of the formsof medication that can be mistaken for candy.Some medicines, like children’s vitamins, mayhave a fruity or sweet odor. Grape, watermelonand bubblegum flavors make medicines moreattractive to kids. Although adults easilyunderstand this marketing strategy, it can con-fuse children. The following are examples ofcandy/medicine look-a-likes that are oftenmixed up.

Chocolate laxatives look like chocolate bars,and gummi bear, gumball and jellybean vita-mins look like their candy counterparts. Somecough medicines are also made in the form oflollipops. Acetaminophen meltaways andcough medicine strips can easily be confused forcandy or breath freshening strips. Some medi-

cines may unintentionally look like candy aswell:

Pink Good & Plenty® and Benadryl® Green skittle and green iron pillOrange Smartie® candy and children’s aspirin

Prevention Tips:• Teach children to always ask before putting

anything in their mouths.• Do not call medicine “candy” in front of chil-

dren.• Remember even child-resistant caps are not

childproof.• Avoid leaving candy/medicine look-a-likes

lying around in the home. • Show children the difference between medi-

cine and candy look-a-like products; findteachable moments in grocery and drug stores.

In the News...

Amy Hanoian Fontana, MA, NREMT-B

Candy or Medicine?Steps for a Safe Home RenovationVilma Rodriguez, Regional Center for Poison Control andPrevention serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Home renovations can be a time of upheaval. Beaware of these potential problems to avoid possible illness as well.

Cleaners: Many household cleaners have harmfulvapors. • Be sure rooms are properly ventilated when using

cleaning supplies.

Formaldehyde and Organic Gases: New furniture, car-pet and drapes may release irritating gases.• Particleboard, fiberboard and pressed-wood cabinets,

paneling and furniture may release formaldehydegas. Choose pieces made of “exterior grade” pressedwood, solid wood or another material if possible.

• Keep rooms well ventilated when new carpets,drapes, cabinetry or other pressed wood furniture areinstalled.

• If you develop headaches, nausea, burning in theeyes or throat, or increased asthma, limit your timein the affected room until the odor lessens.

Lead Paint: Young children are at risk for unknowing-ly ingesting lead contaminated dust or paint chips.Even small amounts of lead over time may lead todevelopmental delays in children.• Call your state health department or the National

Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323 forinformation on how you can have lead paint in yourhome removed safely.

Paint Thinners and Sealants: These products containsolvents that can be dangerous if they are swallowedor inhaled for long periods of time.• Follow product directions, including using an appro-

priate respirator as neccessary.• Keep areas well ventilated until odors lessen.

Keep all household products and construction materi-als locked up or high away from children. If younotice that you feel noticeably better outside of yourhome, or have any other question about poisoningrisks in your home, call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222.

Skittles

Skittles E-Mycin

Hershey’s Ex-Lax LaxativeDrixoral

5

How does your garden

grow? In the summer,people are mowinglawns, trimminghedges and plantinggardens. This canmean containers ofpesticides, fertilizers,and gasoline arearound the yard andgarage. Make surethese products aretightly closed andplaced high out ofreach of children.Pesticides andgasoline productscan be dangerous ifingested. If you sus-pect your child hasgotten into any of

these prod-ucts, callyour poisoncenter rightaway.

Red Tide What is Red Tide? Red Tide is formed when large numbers of microscopic organisms called plankton

bloom. When counts are especially high, the water can have a reddish tint. The plankton make saxitoxin, which

builds up in some of the shellfish that eat the plankton. When red tide is in an area, shellfish like clams and

oysters cannot be harvested. Saxitoxin, if eaten, will cause a tingling and burning sensation in the hands, feet and lips. In

severe cases, those affected may have difficulty breathing. Symptoms develop in about 30 minutes. Cooking the shellfish

will not kill the toxin. If you suspect a problem or have questions, call your poison center.

In the News...

Seasonal Poison Prevention Tips

4

Afour year old nibbles on Mom’s green ironpill thinking it is a coated green candy. A

six year old is hungry for a sweet treat and eatsthe entire bottle of his gummi bear vitamins.The poison center receives calls every dayinvolving children who mistake medicine forcandy. It can even be difficult for an adult totell the difference.

Candies and medicines often have a similarsize, shape, and color. Pills, melt-a-ways, liq-uids, and chewables are just a few of the formsof medication that can be mistaken for candy.Some medicines, like children’s vitamins, mayhave a fruity or sweet odor. Grape, watermelonand bubblegum flavors make medicines moreattractive to kids. Although adults easilyunderstand this marketing strategy, it can con-fuse children. The following are examples ofcandy/medicine look-a-likes that are oftenmixed up.

Chocolate laxatives look like chocolate bars,and gummi bear, gumball and jellybean vita-mins look like their candy counterparts. Somecough medicines are also made in the form oflollipops. Acetaminophen meltaways andcough medicine strips can easily be confused forcandy or breath freshening strips. Some medi-

cines may unintentionally look like candy aswell:

Pink Good & Plenty® and Benadryl® Green skittle and green iron pillOrange Smartie® candy and children’s aspirin

Prevention Tips:• Teach children to always ask before putting

anything in their mouths.• Do not call medicine “candy” in front of chil-

dren.• Remember even child-resistant caps are not

childproof.• Avoid leaving candy/medicine look-a-likes

lying around in the home. • Show children the difference between medi-

cine and candy look-a-like products; findteachable moments in grocery and drug stores.

In the News...

Amy Hanoian Fontana, MA, NREMT-B

Candy or Medicine?Steps for a Safe Home RenovationVilma Rodriguez, Regional Center for Poison Control andPrevention serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Home renovations can be a time of upheaval. Beaware of these potential problems to avoid possible illness as well.

Cleaners: Many household cleaners have harmfulvapors. • Be sure rooms are properly ventilated when using

cleaning supplies.

Formaldehyde and Organic Gases: New furniture, car-pet and drapes may release irritating gases.• Particleboard, fiberboard and pressed-wood cabinets,

paneling and furniture may release formaldehydegas. Choose pieces made of “exterior grade” pressedwood, solid wood or another material if possible.

• Keep rooms well ventilated when new carpets,drapes, cabinetry or other pressed wood furniture areinstalled.

• If you develop headaches, nausea, burning in theeyes or throat, or increased asthma, limit your timein the affected room until the odor lessens.

Lead Paint: Young children are at risk for unknowing-ly ingesting lead contaminated dust or paint chips.Even small amounts of lead over time may lead todevelopmental delays in children.• Call your state health department or the National

Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-5323 forinformation on how you can have lead paint in yourhome removed safely.

Paint Thinners and Sealants: These products containsolvents that can be dangerous if they are swallowedor inhaled for long periods of time.• Follow product directions, including using an appro-

priate respirator as neccessary.• Keep areas well ventilated until odors lessen.

Keep all household products and construction materi-als locked up or high away from children. If younotice that you feel noticeably better outside of yourhome, or have any other question about poisoningrisks in your home, call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222.

Skittles

Skittles E-Mycin

Hershey’s Ex-Lax LaxativeDrixoral

7

Your Local Poison Control Hotline:1-800-222-1222

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -Region 1, New Englandhttp://www.epa.gov/region1/

Poison Prevention Week Council Site includes fact sheet, listing of nationalevents, and list of educational materialsavailable. www.poisonprevention.org

American Association of Poison Control Centers Website includes information on poisons,national poisoning statistics, Poison Helpjingles in English and Spanish, and links.www.18002221222.info

Connecticut Poison Control Centerpoisoncontrol.uchc.edu

Northern New England Poison Center (serving Maine, New Hampshire andVermont)www.nnepc.org

Regional Center for Poison Control andPrevention serving Massachusetts andRhode Island http://www.maripoisoncenter.com/

RESOURCES

Farewell…The Poison Control News has been a grant-funded collaboration between each of the poison centers that collectively

serve New England. As this project is coming to a close, this is the final issue in our series. Many thanks go out to all

who have contributed to and supported this endeavor. We have all enjoyed working on these newsletters and hope

that you have found them helpful. Remember that the national toll free hotline at 1-800-222-1222 is available 24

hours a day to answer your questions and concerns. You can also continue to find new poisoning-related information

from each of our centers by going to our websites, listed below.

Best wishes from our staff,

Connecticut Poison Control Center

Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Northern New England Poison Center serving Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont

In the News...

6

Take Care When Camping

If you are considering a camping trip, you willwant to review these poison-related safety issues.

* Fires: Never use a fuel-powered cook stove orlantern inside your tent. There is a danger ofhazardous fumes building up. Check gas andfuel canisters for leakage and turn off whennot in use. Keep the canisters upright andstored outside.

* Fuel: Do not burn anything but paper andwood in your camp fire. Treated wood andplastics gives off toxic fumes when burned.

* Sleep Tight: Do not dry clean your sleepingbag. Many synthetic and down fills may retainthe solvents and fumes used with dry clean-ing. These chemicals can produce skin irrita-tion or an allergic reaction.

* Bug Spray: Apply insect repellent to a child’sclothing and exposed skin only. Be sure toavoid the face and wash hands after applyingthe insect repellent. Some repellants are toostrong for small children, so only use productsapproved for children. Always follow theproduct instructions and have an adult applythe insect repellent.

* Bites: Wear light-colored clothing with longsleeves buttoned at the wrists and long pantstucked into socks. Shake out all clothingbefore wearing them and check clothing andskin for ticks and other insects. Be carefulreaching into wood piles or under logs.

* Wild Things: Teach children to watch out forsnakes, spiders, and other wild creatures and

never touch or disturb a wild critter. * Plants: Teach children to identify poison ivy,

poison sumac and eastern poison oak. Stayaway from all plants and wild berries unlessyou are certain they are safe.

* Drink to Your Health: Bring a clean supply ofdrinking water or a water purification system.Be sure to frequently drink water. People canbecome dehydrated quickly when hiking inwarm, dry, or windy conditions. Do not drinkstream or lake water.

In the News...

Melissa Heinen, MPH, Northern New England Poison Center

7

Your Local Poison Control Hotline:1-800-222-1222

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -Region 1, New Englandhttp://www.epa.gov/region1/

Poison Prevention Week Council Site includes fact sheet, listing of nationalevents, and list of educational materialsavailable. www.poisonprevention.org

American Association of Poison Control Centers Website includes information on poisons,national poisoning statistics, Poison Helpjingles in English and Spanish, and links.www.18002221222.info

Connecticut Poison Control Centerpoisoncontrol.uchc.edu

Northern New England Poison Center (serving Maine, New Hampshire andVermont)www.nnepc.org

Regional Center for Poison Control andPrevention serving Massachusetts andRhode Island http://www.maripoisoncenter.com/

RESOURCES

Farewell…The Poison Control News has been a grant-funded collaboration between each of the poison centers that collectively

serve New England. As this project is coming to a close, this is the final issue in our series. Many thanks go out to all

who have contributed to and supported this endeavor. We have all enjoyed working on these newsletters and hope

that you have found them helpful. Remember that the national toll free hotline at 1-800-222-1222 is available 24

hours a day to answer your questions and concerns. You can also continue to find new poisoning-related information

from each of our centers by going to our websites, listed below.

Best wishes from our staff,

Connecticut Poison Control Center

Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Northern New England Poison Center serving Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont

In the News...

6

Take Care When Camping

If you are considering a camping trip, you willwant to review these poison-related safety issues.

* Fires: Never use a fuel-powered cook stove orlantern inside your tent. There is a danger ofhazardous fumes building up. Check gas andfuel canisters for leakage and turn off whennot in use. Keep the canisters upright andstored outside.

* Fuel: Do not burn anything but paper andwood in your camp fire. Treated wood andplastics gives off toxic fumes when burned.

* Sleep Tight: Do not dry clean your sleepingbag. Many synthetic and down fills may retainthe solvents and fumes used with dry clean-ing. These chemicals can produce skin irrita-tion or an allergic reaction.

* Bug Spray: Apply insect repellent to a child’sclothing and exposed skin only. Be sure toavoid the face and wash hands after applyingthe insect repellent. Some repellants are toostrong for small children, so only use productsapproved for children. Always follow theproduct instructions and have an adult applythe insect repellent.

* Bites: Wear light-colored clothing with longsleeves buttoned at the wrists and long pantstucked into socks. Shake out all clothingbefore wearing them and check clothing andskin for ticks and other insects. Be carefulreaching into wood piles or under logs.

* Wild Things: Teach children to watch out forsnakes, spiders, and other wild creatures and

never touch or disturb a wild critter. * Plants: Teach children to identify poison ivy,

poison sumac and eastern poison oak. Stayaway from all plants and wild berries unlessyou are certain they are safe.

* Drink to Your Health: Bring a clean supply ofdrinking water or a water purification system.Be sure to frequently drink water. People canbecome dehydrated quickly when hiking inwarm, dry, or windy conditions. Do not drinkstream or lake water.

In the News...

Melissa Heinen, MPH, Northern New England Poison Center

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SURVEY

6. What poisoning-related topics are you interested in learning more about?

□ Household/Personal Care Products □ Prescription Medications□ Environmental Exposures (mercury, lead) □ Over the Counter Medications□ Substance Abuse (Drugs, alcohol, inhalants) □ Herbs/Supplements□ Plants □ Other:□ Animals/Insects

5. How satisfied are you with the format, layout and ease of use of this and/or other regionalpoison newsletters? (Please check one)

□ Very Dissatisfied □ Dissatisfied □ Neutral □ Satisfied □ Very Satisfied

4. How satisfied are you with the information in this and other issues of Poison Control News? Please check one.)□ Very Dissatisfied □ Dissatisfied □ Neutral □ Satisfied □ Very Satisfied

7. Please share any further comments that you have:

8. To receive future poison control publications please provide your contact information below

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Thank you for your participation in this survey. Your local poison control center is available 24 hoursa day to answer any potential poisoning questions you have. Just call the national poison control hot-line at 1-800-222-1222. You can also request more educational materials by calling or visiting yourlocal center’s website.

For poison emergencies anywhere in the U.S.A. call 1 (800) 222-1222

For poison center education in the New Englandregion, contact the following people:

Summer 2005Vilma RodriguezRegional Center for Poison Control andPrevention Serving Massachusetts & Rhode IslandChildren’s Hospital, Boston, MAhttp://www.maripoisoncenter.com/vilmar@doh.state.ri.us(401) 222-3425

Deborah Haber, EditorRegional Center for Poison Control andPrevention Serving Massachusetts & Rhode IslandChildren’s Hospital, Boston, MAhttp://www.maripoisoncenter.com/vilmar@doh.state.ri.usdeborah.hachildrens.harvard.edu(617) 355-2227

Amy Hanoian-FontanaConnecticut Poison Control Center University of CT Health Center, Farmington, CThttp://poisoncontrol.uchc.eduhanoian@uchc.edu(860) 679-4422

Northern New England Poison Centerwww.nnepc.orgMelissa A. HeinenMaine Medical Center, Concord, NH heinem@mmc.org(603) 271-4520

Rebecca MillerMaine Medical Center, Portland, MEhttp://www.mmc.orgmiller@mmc.org(207) 662-7224

Susana Knoop-O’ConnelFletcher Allen Healthcare, Burlington, VTsusana.knoop-oconnell@vtmednet.org