Major Focus on Poison Prevention May 26-31

The Caribbean Poison Information Network (CARPIN) at the University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica is observing Poison Prevention Week from May 26-31, under the theme: ‘Poison Connection – Linking Each Facet of Society’.

Poison Information Coordinator at CARPIN, Sherika Whitelocke-Ballingsingh, told JIS News that the observance is an avenue through which the organisation reminds Jamaicans of the importance of protecting health and well-being through preventive actions.

She noted that there is a disconnect among sectors in strengthening systems of protection.

This gap, Mrs. Whitelocke-Ballingsingh said, facilitates exposure to poison, adding that Poison Prevention Week is geared towards establishing the connections.

“The dialogue throughout the week will delve into the surveillance systems in place to monitor poisonous exposure, our laboratory capacity to conduct testing, policies to protect children, understanding the consumer’s rights to know what products they purchase, and emerging food safety toxins,” she outlined.

The week’s activities include a social media campaign, a webinar with speakers from the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) at the University of the West Indies, the Consumer Affairs Commission(CAC) and the Westmoreland Health Department, and an online event in collaboration with the Mindfulness Jamaica Initiative where students from institutions across the country will be engaged in talks on Poison Education within Schools, Protecting Children’s Mental Health and Monitoring Substance Abuse.

Mrs. Whitelocke-Ballingsingh added that schools will also use the week to engage students’ talents to highlight concepts on promoting poison prevention among children of different ages.

She pointed out that accidental poisoning is a serious public health challenge in Jamaica which has the potential to disrupt the population’s health and the overall health system.

“Individuals are exposed to common poisoning agents daily, such as chemicals, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Children continue to be most affected along with vulnerable populations, such as farmers and specific industry workers who come in contact with chemicals because of their livelihood,” she noted.

Mrs. Whitelocke-Ballingsingh highlighted the importance of protecting children from poisons by carefully storing chemicals out of their reach and in the original or labelled containers, which “cannot be overemphasised.”

She said special care and supervision are needed, especially during the summer when children are at home for the holidays.

Mrs. Whitelocke-Ballingsingh urges parents to follow some important tips when handling poisonous substances.

These include not storing chemicals in food-look-alike containers; not inappropriately mixing chemicals or using them in the presence of children; locking all poisons out of the reach of children, and not referring to medicine or vitamins as candies to children.

Persons seeking information about handling poisons or reporting emergencies are encouraged to contact CARPIN at: carpin@utech.edu.jm