National Poison Prevention Week
National Poison Prevention Week is March 15-21, an annual campaign to raise awareness of this preventable injury.
Unintentional poisoning is second only to motor vehicle crashes as a leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. Children, adolescents, and adults are all affected by unintentional poisoning.
Just over half the poison exposures reported to poison control centers are with children under six. These are often with cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning products, pain relievers, topical medications, foreign bodies, cough and cold medications, and plants. Adult exposures often include pain relievers, sedatives, or cleaning substances.
Tips to Prevent Poisonings (CDC Injury Center)
Feature Issue – Giving Children Medication Safety
When giving your child medication, giving it properly is very important. If drugs are given incorrectly they may not work or cause harm.
To avoid medication poisoning:
- Always read labels, follow directions, and give medicines to children based on their weights and ages.
- Only use dispensers packaged with children’s medications.
- Don’t give children under 2 years old any over-the-counter drugs without checking with a doctor first.
- Store medications locked out of children’s reach and sight.
- Tell grandparents and other caretakers about avoiding medication poisoning.
Be Prepared
Poison-proof Your Home: One Room at a Time
A room-by-room poison prevention checklist that helps parents and caregivers to identify sources of pesticides and other household product dangers at home. (EPA)
Learn About Chemicals Around Your House An interactive Web site designed to teach children and parents about household products, including pesticides that may contain harmful chemicals. (EPA)
Keep Numbers By Your Phone
Keep the toll-free nationwide poison control center number (1-800-222-1222) and local emergency numbers (911) near every telephone. Most poisonings are taken care of over the phone. The number works from anywhere in the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to do if a poisoning occurs
- Remain calm
- Call 911 if you have a poison emergency and the victim has collapsed or is not breathing. If the victim is awake and alert, dial 1-800-222-1222.
- Try to have this information ready:
- victim’s age and weight
- container or bottle of the poison if available
- time of the poison exposure
- address where the poisoning occurred
- Stay on the phone and follow the instructions from the emergency operator or poison control center.
More Information
Nationwide Children's Hospital - Central Ohio Poison Control Center
Central Ohio Safe Kids
Columbus Public Health Lead Poison Prevention and Testing Program
Poison Prevention Week Council
Sources: Columbus Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Injury Center, United States Environmental Protection Agency