National Poison Prevention Week

Now, you can use the webPOISONCONTROL online tool to get help, or call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

However, there is one thing that hasn’t changed: preventing unintentional poisonings from happening is still our first line of defense. But life can be unpredictable, and mishaps can happen when we least expect them. Be prepared. Bookmark webPOISONCONTROL or download the app on the App Store or Google Play, and save your poison center’s number in case you ever need it: 1-800-222-1222.

What is a "poison?"

But what is a “poison,” exactly? The simplest answer is just about anything can be poisonous when used in the wrong way, in the wrong amount, or by the wrong person. That’s why poisoning prevention educators don’t spend a lot of time telling people what products and substances they should keep out of their homes. I mean, you probably don’t need to know that arsenic or cyanide lying around is dangerous. But what about laundry products? Over-the-counter medicines? Lotions and creams? Bug spray? Essential oils? These products, among many others typically found in homes, can be poisonous under the right (or should we say “wrong”!) circumstances.

You may be surprised to learn that poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the US. It may also surprise you that poison centers respond to more than 2 million callers each year, around half of which are from people who need help managing suspected poisonings after their kid got into something they shouldn’t have.

Tips to prevent poisonings

1. Be prepared for an emergency and act fast if you suspect a poisoning. Use the webPOISONCONTROL online tool or call your poison center immediately if you think someone may have been exposed to something and have any doubt about whether it’s dangerous:

• Bookmark webPOISONCONTROL or download the webPOISONCONTROL app on the App Store or Google Play.

• Save your poison center's number in your phone and post it in your home: 1-800-222-1222. It’s free, private, and calls are answered by experts. Those experts have heard it all. Don’t be embarrassed to call.

2. Practice safe storage habits.

• Certain substances, like medicines, can be particularly dangerous for kids. Those items should be stored up, away, and out of sight. For things that can’t be stored safely, use child-resistant cabinets and containers. But keep in mind that there is nothing 100% child-proof.

• Keep products in their original containers. Don’t put non-food or non-beverage substances in containers meant for consumables.

3. Read and follow labels and directions.

• Review product labels prior to their use, especially before taking or administering medications.

• Follow usage instructions as well as those about safe storage and disposal.

4. Prevent danger from invisible threats.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

• Install radon detectors if your home is at risk.

5. Order materials from your local poison center

No matter where you are in the US, you can help promote poison prevention safety and awareness by ordering print materials directly from your local poison center, including magnets, posters, brochures, stickers, and more.

6. Download and share our poison prevention resources.

• Check out our library of downloadable poison prevention resources, including posters, jingles, videos, and more.