MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT/TNS) -- It’s Poison Prevention week and the Tennessee Poison Center notes that poisoning is the leading cause of injury death killing more people than car accidents.
Alysha Behrman with the Drug and Poison Information Center says 90 percent of all poisonings occur in the home, and it’s crucial to act quickly. Behrman says most poisonings involve children under age five, and include exposure to cosmetics, household cleaners and pain medications.
"Sometimes, you’ll notice that they’re drooling excessively. They might have redness around their mouth, they might be crying, they’re acting more tired than normal; if they’re acting more excitable or have more energy than normal. Any of those could be indications."
Behrman says adults account for most poison-related deaths, mainly due to the misuse or overuse of drugs or medications. More than two million poisonings are reported annually.