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Show Be Careful of Gifts with Small Children An innocent-looking Christmas gift might be a hazard to a small child. Colognes and after-shave lotions are good examples, according to the In-termonfitain In-termonfitain Regional Poison Control Center. These common Christmas gifts contain ethyl alcohol or ethanol--the same type alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. "A child rarely is seriously hurt by drinking an after-shave lotion or cologne because the taste is so bad that little is ingested," says Dr. De Gullekson, poison pharmacist at University of Utah Medical Center. "But the chance exists that an infant could swallow enough to cause a coma and respiratory failure." Many of these products contain as much as 90 percent alcohol and as little as one-third to one-half ounce may harm a small child. Initial symptoms are that of drunkeness: nausea, vomiting, slurred speech and stupor. The more serious symptoms are coma, lowered body temerature and breathing difficulties. Inexpensive perfumes also contain high concentrations of alcohol, according to Dr. Gullekson. Nail polish remover is another similar substance that regularly poisons children. "Even though most r; ingestions of colognes, aftershave after-shave lotions a nd the like are not serious, parents should consult the Poison Control Center," says Dr. Gullekson. "These products cause many accidental poisonings; we average two to three calls a day." Telephone the In-termountain In-termountain Regional Poison Control Center at 581-2151 581-2151 or (outside the Salt Lake area) 800-662-4225. |