Poison Prevention Week 2010

We are fond of saying that every week is poison prevention week, but only the third week of March each year is designated as National Poison Prevention Week. The next Poison Prevention Week is March 14 through March 20, 2010.

Public Law 87-319, signed into law on September 16, 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, authorizes the President to designate annually the third week in March as National Poison Prevention Week.  The Poison Prevention Week Council, an independent, not-for-profit organization, was organized to coordinate this annual event. Poison Prevention Week is intended to raise awareness of the dangers of unintentional poisonings and to promote poison prevention efforts.

In 2009, there were two themes for National Poison Prevention Week:

·         Children Act Fast, So Do Poisons

Children account for half of the poison emergency calls to poison centers. Those who care for children must always be watchful when household chemicals or medicines are being used. Poisonings often occur when adults are using a product but are distracted, perhaps by the telephone or by another child, even just for a few moments. Children act fast. Adults must protect them. Make sure that household products, chemicals and medicines are stored out of a child’s sight and reach at all times. Use child-resistant packaging and secure the cap after each use.

·         Poisonings Span a Lifetime

While we think of children when we think of poisonings, children are only implicated in half of the cases reported to U.S. poison control centers.  The other half involve teens, adults, and seniors.  In fact, these latter cases are the most serious.

A U.S. Presidential Proclamation encourages Americans to learn more about the dangers of unintentional poisonings and to take appropriate measures to prevent poisonings.  Use this week to be sure your home is poison-proofed and to learn more about keeping you and your family safe from poison.  But remember, poison prevention is important every day, not just one week a year!

You can participate in National Poison Prevention Week by promoting poison prevention in your classroom, organization or community.  Here’s what you can do:   

·         Order stickers, magnets, brochures, tip cards, DVDs for preschoolers (Spikes Poison Prevention Adventure), or posters for distribution from the National Capital Poison Center (Washington DC metro area only).

o   Order materials online, or

o   Call (202) 362-3867 to place your order.

·         Set up a display or bulletin board on poison prevention.

·         Place a poison prevention story or tips in local newsletters or listserves distributed by your employer, community group, church or synagogue.

·         Organize a poster contest at a school.

·         Check that every phone at your workplace has a poison center telephone sticker on it.

·         Place a poison prevention poster (order here) on bulletin boards wherever people congregate.

·         Encourage your pediatrician to distribute poison prevention stickers, magnets and brochures in their offices.

·         Include a poison prevention message in mailings to all your employees.

·         Contribute to the National Capital Poison Center so we can continue to promote poison safety and provide 24/7 guidance for poison emergencies.  Donate now!