Potential Hazards of Hand Sanitizers
Congrats and Thank You to Robin Antognoli
Be sure to check out the Illinois Poison Center’s online Poison Prevention Educator Resource Center for ready-to-use resources (all free except videos/DVD’s): |
Potential Hazards of Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizers can be found in schools, child daycare programs, offices and in most people’s homes, purses or pockets. Most hand sanitizers contain 60-65% ethanol - the same type of alcohol found in beer (3-6% alcohol) and spirits (40% alcohol) – which can be hazardous to children. Tips to keep your child safe: •Keep hand sanitizers out of sight and reach of Call the Illinois Poison Center at the toll-free, |
| The Illinois Poison Center would like to congratulate Robin Antognoli and her husband Tony on the birth of their first child, Andrew James, born in March. As many of you know, Robin was an integral part of our team for over five years as the IPC Public Affairs Specialist. Robin was responsible for writing, designing and coordinating newsletters, educational material, the annual report and website and for working with Chicago and state media to promote IPC services and poison prevention education. It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to her professionally, as she begins her exciting journey into parenthood. IPC would like to thank Robin for her dedication to her work and for the inspiration she gave her co-workers, satellite coordinators, educators and parents. We wish her and her family much continued happiness! Congratulations and thank you, Robin! |
Products that Contain Nicotine are Major Danger for Children
| As more people begin smoking cessation programs, it is important to practice caution when using, storing and disposing of nicotine replacement and all tobacco products. Be aware that children often obtain these items from the garbage, kitchen counters, purses and ashtrays. Initial symptoms of nicotine toxicity include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, agitation and/or drowsiness. In more serious overdoses symptoms can include increased heart rate, blood pressure, seizures and coma. The onset of these symptoms is rapid, usually within one hour of exposure. As little as one or three cigarette butts can cause symptoms in a small child. Ingestion of new or used nicotine patches, lozenges or gum may also be dangerous and can lead to an emergency room visit. Since young children are more susceptible to nicotine toxicity than adults - parents, caregivers and family members are urged to take caution around children with products containing nicotine: • Discard used nicotine patches or chewed gum (which can still contain nicotine) by putting them in a garbage can/container that children cannot access • Keep all nicotine replacement and tobacco products (in packages, purses, bags, etc.) out of children’s reach • Keep ashtrays and other make-shift containers (soda cans, etc.) clean and out of reach and sight of children • Do not leave cartons containing chewed tobacco (spit cups) where children can reach them. Take a minute to inventory your nicotine replacement and tobacco products as well as your disposal habits. If you suspect a young child has ingested a nicotine product, call the IPC 24-hour hotline at |
Copyright 2007 by the Illinois Poison Center,All rights reserved.
222 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1900, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
Phone: Tel: 312-627-8006. TDD: 312-906-6185. Fax: 312-906-6185.
www.illinoisposioncenter.org