Health officials warn of poisons kept at home

The lack of simple cautionary measures when using chemical products at home is resulting in an increased number of cases of poisoning, senior health officials said in the capital yesterday. Within the last two years, at least eight deaths have occurred across the country as a result of accidental exposure to pesticides, they added. "While poisoning has also occurred from other household products like bleaches and window cleaners, as well as from over-the-counter medicines, we have specifically noticed the increased use of agricultural pesticides in homes. These create harmful fumes that can result in death when an individual is exposed to them for even a few hours," Dr Yasser Sharif, head of the Poison and Drug Information Centre (PDIC) at the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), told Gulf News. "Residents and especially parents therefore need to practice greater caution when using chemical products, especially as nearly 90 per cent of all poisoning cases globally occur within domestic settings," he added. Article continues below Dr Sharif was speaking on the sidelines of a press conference held to launch the Abu Dhabi Poison Prevention Week, which seeks to create awareness about the safe use of chemical products and medicines. It is being organised by the HAAD, and will incorporate interactive mall activities for both children and their parents. Accidental ingestion "At the PDIC itself, we have received reports of at least 200 cases of poisoning from across the country since 2010, of which 27 have involved the accidental ingestion and inhalation of pesticides. We therefore want to reach out to children and their parents, especially as most non-fatal poisonings tend to occur at home among children younger than six years of age," the official said. Referring to basic safety measures, Dr Sharif said residents should contact only licenced pest control companies. In the emirate of Abu Dhabi, these are listed with the Centre of Waste Management (CWM). "People should also immediately see a doctor if they are experiencing headaches, dizziness and nausea. Many people who have been poisoned by inhaling toxic fumes wait too long to go to the hospital and by then, they can no longer be saved," Dr Sharif said. Currently, the HAAD is also working with the Department of Municipal Affairs to create a registry of household products that are safe for use, added Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, director of customer and corporate communication at the HAAD.