Back-to-School Safety: Tips from the Oklahoma Poison Center

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OKLAHOMA CITY – As students across Oklahoma head back to school, the Oklahoma Poison Center reminds parents, caregivers and teachers that many everyday school-related items can pose poisoning risks if not handled or stored properly.

Common back-to-school risks include:

• Medications in backpacks: Teens and children may carry prescriptions such as inhalers, EpiPens® and ADHD medications. Proper labeling and adult oversight are essential.
• Art supplies: Some paints, glues and markers can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. Choose products labeled “non-toxic.”
• Hand sanitizers: Many contain high alcohol content and can be dangerous if swallowed by children.
• Classroom cleaning products: Disinfectant sprays and wipes should be stored securely out of children’s reach.
• Science lab chemicals: Safe storage and teacher supervision are critical.
• Food allergens: Cross-contamination in lunches and snacks can trigger severe allergic reactions.

The Oklahoma Poison Center urges teachers and parents to program the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222, into their phones and post it in classrooms and nurses’ offices. The center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are free, confidential and answered by specially trained nurses, pharmacists and doctors.

Public safety tips include:

• Store medications and chemicals up, away and out of sight at home and at school.
• Remind children never to share medications, food or drinks.
• Always check art supplies for “non-toxic” labels and use them in well-ventilated areas.
• Keep hand sanitizers in teacher desks or locked cabinets in elementary classrooms.
• Ensure teachers and staff are trained to recognize the signs of poisoning and allergic reactions.

“Back-to-school is an exciting time, but it’s also when we see an increase in certain types of exposures – everything from children swallowing hand sanitizer to medication mix-ups in the nurse’s office,” said Kristie Edelen, Pharm.D., DABAT, managing director of the Oklahoma Poison Center.

“A few simple precautions – like properly storing supplies and knowing the Poison Help number – can make all the difference in keeping kids safe and healthy all school year long.”

The Oklahoma Poison Center, operated by the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, provides free, confidential poison information and treatment advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are answered by specially trained pharmacists and nurses who can assist with poison emergencies and answer questions about medications, chemicals, plants and other potentially toxic substances. For more information, visit pharmacy.ouhsc.edu.

About Oklahoma Poison Center

Oklahoma Poison Center is dedicated to providing expert advice and support in cases of poisoning and exposure to harmful substances. Our mission is to prevent poisonings and reduce their impact through education, prevention and providing emergency treatment recommendations. The Oklahoma Poison Center is a program of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy.