LANSING, Mich. — A statewide effort is underway right now to help prevent poisonings in Michigan.
"National Poison Prevent Week" is underway through March 23.
The Michigan Poison Control Center reported more than 60,000 calls related to poisoning in 2018. At least 46 percent of those calls involved children under the age of six.
Poisoning signs and symptoms can mimic other conditions, such as seizure, alcohol intoxication, stroke and insulin reaction, the Mayo Clinic said.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include:
- Burns or redness around the mouth and lips
- Breath that smells like chemicals, like gasoline or paint thinner
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Drowsiness
- Confusion, or other altered mental status
"If you suspect poisoning, be alert for clues such as empty pill bottles or packages, scattered pills, and burns, stains, and odors on the person or nearby objects. With a child, consider the possibility that he or she may have applied medicated patches or swallowed a button battery," according to the Mayo Clinic.
As part of the prevention week, experts suggest saving the Poison Control Center's national number in your phone: 800-222-1222.
You can read more about poisoning and prevention tips online.
