South Middlesex Times

The start of the school year is a hectic period for families and teachers, often leading to situations where unintentional poisonings could occur due to lack of attention.

“September is not only a busy time for families and school employees; it’s also a busy time for us at the poison center,” said Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “Potentially dangerous products are commonly found in our everyday environments and often go unnoticed until a mishap occurs. Situations can become dangerous quickly and without warning depending on the dose of a product.”

Classrooms, like households, contain substances that are harmful if ingested or used incorrectly. These include medicines, cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, look-alike products, school and craft supplies, hand sanitizers, food, disc batteries, and small magnets.

“When you combine distraction with easy access and unsafe storage of potentially harmful products, mishaps are likely to happen,” added Calello. “Every day, people of all ages are exposed to potentially dangerous items ranging from medicines and chemicals to adult recreational products and substances of abuse.”

Calello advises parents and caregivers to have a clear understanding of what medicine a child needs, when it should be given, how much is needed, and who is responsible for administering it. She emphasizes that calling the poison control center (800-222-1222) first for medical guidance can make a difference between mild health effects and more serious ones that may require hospitalization.

While some calls to the poison center are routine, others involving prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements, highly caffeinated energy drinks, vape liquids, cannabis edibles, and alcohol can be complicated with serious side effects.

Older children and teens also face risks from social media challenges involving toxic fumes from spray cans or consuming large doses of over-the-counter pain relievers. Mistakenly eating cannabis edibles thought to be candy or taking fake prescription pills can also pose significant health threats.

The New Jersey Poison Control Center offers several safety tips:

- Store all medicines, household cleaners, alcohol or cannabis edibles in their original containers in secure areas.

- Ensure that multiple medicines given to children do not contain the same active ingredients.

- Measure liquid medicine accurately using an oral syringe or medicine spoon.

- Limit young children's access to hand sanitizer.

- Use non-toxic school supplies with an AP (Approved Product) seal from ACMI.

- Wash hands thoroughly before handling food.

- Pack lunch foods properly using insulated containers.

- Monitor children outdoors for potential poisons such as toxic wild mushrooms or poisonous plants.

- Read warnings on product labels carefully.

For more information on safely using cleaning chemicals in classrooms or if there is concern about potential poisoning incidents, contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.