BC Centre for Disease Control: ‘child-proof’ poison prevention not infallible

VANCOUVER – Child proof caps, cabinets and pill cases may not be as kid safe as you think.

The BC Centre for Disease Control says kids account for almost half of the province’s 25,000 annual poisonings.

Clinical supervisor Debra Kent says little ones under six are most at risk.

Left unsupervised, their nimble fingers are likely to get into dangerous cleaning supplies, pill cases in purses, or harmful plants like hydrangeas and chrysanthemums.

The centre says gradual-release pain killers and prescription medications for diabetes and heart disease are particularly lethal.

It says parents and grandparents should take steps to keep pills out of sight, and call the Poison Control Centre immediately if they suspect their child has come in contact with potential toxins.