Document M4JdJD22qo53kqBko67aYqBEa

Columbus Childrens Hospital P-1 Page 1 of 1 If you need m ore information, please contact one of the individuals below in Marketing/Public Relations at Colum bus Children's Hospital: Mary Ellen Fiorino (614) 722-4595 Pam Barber (614) 722-4595 enter email address If you would like to be notified via email when we add news releases to this section, please submit your email address an d click "get updates." Central Ohio Poison Center at Columbus Children's Hospital Urges Caution When Using Boot Leather Protector, Sealant Products a COLUMBUS, OH, February 23, 2006 -- The Central O hio Poison C e n ter (COPC) at Colu m bus Children's Hospital is urging consum ers to use extrem e caution when using boot leather protector and sealant products due to a possible connection with serious respiratory illnesses. More than 250 reports have been received by poison control centers across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The Colum busbased C O P C has received exposure calls regarding 18 individuals and fo u r anim als throughout its 45-county service area. "W e have becom e aware of a possible connection between use of these products and respiratory illness in hum ans and pets," said Marcel C asavant, M .D ., m edical director o f the C O P C . "Until this connection is better understood, consum ers should recognize the potential risks associated with these leather protectors and sealants and consider avoiding these products altogether, or a t least use all spray-on leather protectors outdoors, allowing the leather to dry thoroughly before bringing boots and shoes inside." The m ost frequently reported product associated with the illnesses is "Jobsite Heavy D uty Bootm ate," distributed by M anakey Group, LI.C. O ther products with sim ilar nam es have been cited by callers to poison centers. Sym ptom s reported by poison center callers include coughing, chest pain and shortness o f breath. At least 11 individuals have been hospitalized as a result o f the illness, an d several pets have died. Illness in product users, bystanders and pets has been reported both with product use indoors and outdoors. Persons experiencing coughing, chest pain and/or shortness of breath after exposure to boot leather protector and sealant products should contact their poison control center by calling 1-800-222-1222. XC(MOLUMBUrSt*r ^ HOSPITAL About Children's | Contact Us | Disclaimers | Privacy Notice I Patient Rights 1998-2006 Children's Hospital Inc., Columbus, Ohio USA. All rights reserved. http://www.columbuschildrens.com/gd/applications/controller.cfm?page=209&id-221&typ... 4/6/2006