SPECIAL drugs awareness packs will be made available to primary schools in East Lancashire as part of a campaign involving education and health authorities.
The new initiative aims to help teachers and parents warn their children of hidden dangers that surround them.
The shock statistic that headache pills poison more youngsters in the North West than any other drug was revealed at the launch of the initiative which will highlight the dangers of household medicines and other drugs.
The special packs being provided for schools will enable pupils to follow a six-week programme of activities based in the classroom and at home.
Thousands of youngsters are admitted to hospital in the North West each year with suspected poisoning, most caused by medicines such as paracetamol and household chemicals.
Nationally, nearly 200 children die each year as a result of paracetamol poisoning. Other potential "killers in the home" include medicines, alcohol, tobacco, solvents and cleaning products.
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