Poisoning Prevention

Q: Where can I buy safety locks?
A: Any store specializing in items for infants or children should carry safety locks. In addition, some grocery stores and pharmacies carry safety locks.

Q: What is the law regarding child resistant containers or CRC's?
A: Since 1970, the Consumer Products Safety Commission has enforced the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPP) (15 U.S.C. 1471 - 1476). The Act requires child-resistant packaging for various drugs and household products. Child-resistant packaging is designed to be significantly difficult for children under the age of five to open or obtain a toxic amount within a reasonable time and not difficult for normal adults to open. Child-resistant packaging does not mean the packaging is child proof. Some children can open child-resistant containers.

The CPSC revised its child-resistant packaging regulations in 1996 to ensure the packaging is both child-resistant and "adult-friendly". Now child-resistant packaging is tested with children under the age of five and with adults ages 50-70. A variety of adult-friendly child-resistant packaging styles are now being used.

Q: May an individual request that all of his/her prescriptions be filled in non-child-resistant packaging?
A: Yes. A patient may request a pharmacist, preferably by writing, to have all of his/her medicines placed in non-child resistant containers.