Consumer perception of household hazardous materials.
We evaluated consumer perception of household hazardous materials (HHM) to identify links between storage of HHMs and consumer perception.


METHODS
357 telephone surveys were conducted within one county to determine home storage location (high, low, unknown) of 10 substances common to pediatric poisoning. Questions addressed look-alikes, poison information resources, disposal/recycling practices, and the transfer of cleaning products to other containers.


RESULTS
Prescription medications were stored in lower elevations than vitamins with iron and OTC ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Products common in poisoning were often stored at low elevations. Poison center (PCC) awareness was modest; 35% stated the PCC would be first choice; 43% chose 911. Nineteen percent indicated they transferred cleaning items to other containers, usually bleach (6.7%), but 29% transferred prescription medications.


CONCLUSIONS
Results will be utilized to develop a community-specific educational campaign targeted toward lack of awareness of the poison center and reinforcement of proper storage and disposal practices.
Smolinske
Susan C
SC
Children's Hospital of Michigan Regional Poison Control Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Kaufman
Martin M
MM
D000061:Accidents, Home / Q000517:prevention & control; D001364:Awareness; D003358:Cosmetics; D005191:Family Characteristics; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006795:Household Products; D006801:Humans; D008824:Michigan; D010465:Perception; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011041:Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite
D003358:Cosmetics; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite