Fall 2007 - Washington Poison Center

Mr. Yuk Goes to College
A
s college students across Washington State pack
their TV, favorite pillows, mini-fridge and other
essentials to feel like home, they need to remember
to pack Mr. Yuk.
Mr. Yuk has graduated from grammar school and is making
his way onto college campuses.
Let’s face it, college students can get poisoned. One
poisoning that occurs on college and university campuses is
alcohol poisoning. Although most students don’t drink to
excess and students are being educated about the dangers of
binge drinking, some still
choose to drink way too
much.
The Washington Poison Center is staffed with pharmacists,
nurses and other poison
information specialists that
can assist a caller whose
friend has overdosed on
Did you know...
alcohol. The Mr. Yuk
Alcohol poisoning occurs
sticker has the toll-free
. . . at least once a week a child is given Syrup of Ipecac
when someone puts a large
number: 1-800-222-1222,
(the medicine that makes people vomit) when it is not
amount of alcohol into their
open 24/7 – a friend to your
needed. They should have called the WAPC first.
system – the person
college student. All calls to
overdoses on alcohol.
. . . last year, the WAPC received over 4,000 calls from
the Poison Center are
Alcohol poisoning can be
college-aged, young adults asking questions about
confidential and our staff
deadly. The brain begins to
medications, alcohol, food poisoning, household cleaners
will never question a
shut down involuntary
and personal care products.
reluctant caller; they don’t
functions that regulate
even need to give their
. . . emergency medicine residents, occupational medicine
breathing and heart rate,
name.
fellows, pharmacy externs, and nursing and paramedic
sometimes resulting in
students attend toxicological seminars at the WAPC
death. The amount of
College students can also
regularly.
alcohol that causes alcohol
call the Poison Center for
poisoning is different for
information on:
every person.
· Food poisoning
· Medication dosing and interactions
Your student may not be the one who overdoses on alcohol,
· Caffeine, including NoDoz and other alertness pills
but their friend or dorm mate might be. There may be fear of
· other potential poisons and drugs
getting medial help especially when the student is underage
(under 21 – legal drinking age in Washington). Your student
Remind your student that the Poison Center is here to help –
can turn to Mr. Yuk for help.
Mr. Yuk is “pulling an all-nighter” every night!
Hand Sanitizer Gel:
A Common Sense Approach
T
here are several emails circulating about serious alcohol toxicity
coming from exposure to hand sanitizer products mostly containing
ethanol. While it is true that the amount of ethanol in these gels is about the same as
a strong alcoholic beverage, someone cannot get drunk from casual exposure. For
example, licking hands after use is not a problem.
· Community-based studies have shown the benefits of hand sanitizers. Hand
sanitizers were effective in reducing illnesses in households, elementary schools
and university dormitories.
· Expect no toxicity from a taste or a lick of hand sanitizer gel.
· Sanitizer gel should have a Mr. Yuk sticker on it and be kept out of the reach of
children along with other ethanol containing products such as perfumes and
mouthwashes.
· Adults should supervise use of hand sanitizer gel.
· Products containing ethanol/alcohol, like sanitizer gel and others, can be abused.
· Never transfer hand sanitizer to an unmarked container.
· Call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for any hand sanitizer
ingestion greater than the amount used on your hands or if you have any
concerns.
· Call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for all poison questions.
Support Mr. Yuk
Mr. Yuk Keeps
Me Safe
Poster Contest
for all 3rd, 4th & 5th graders
9 Does your company have a workplace giving campaign? Please
remember Mr. Yuk and the Washington Poison Center when filling
out your form and tell your co-workers about us, too.
9 The Washington Poison Center is a nonprofit, charitable
organization relying on community support. To make a taxdeductible donation, send a check or money order to:
Washington Poison Center
155 NE 100th Street, #100
Seattle, WA 98125-8007
Contest ends: October 31st
Or, call 1-800-572-4104 x2367 to donate by credit card.
For complete contest rules:
www.wapc.org
Mr. Yuk thanks you for your help!
WAPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
155 NE 100th Street, #100
Seattle, WA 98125-8007
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SEATTLE WA
PERMIT NO. 590