Poison Prevention and Control

In order to provide awareness, poison prevention strategies, and intervention measures, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is providing insight of the dangers of poisoning — especially to children.

Of all the injuries people get in the United States poisoning is a major cause of death.

In all countries and communities we must still be vigilant in preventing poisons.

Poison Prevention and Control

There are 55 poison control centers in the U.S. In 2021, the fifty-five US poison control centers provided telephone guidance for over 2.08 million human poison exposures.

According to the EPA, half of the 2 million annual poisoning incidents involve children under six. Ninety percent of these occurrences happened at home.

In 2020, during January through March, poison centers received 45,550 exposure calls related to cleaners (28,158) and disinfectants (17,392).

In addition, cosmetics, creams, personal care products, medications, cleaning products and foreign objects add up to the top five most common exposures.

The EPA, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are urging all of us — especially caregivers and parents — to take preventive measures and avoid unnecessary poison exposure.

A precautionary measure is to lock your household cleaning products, pesticides, and other products that contain toxins in cabinets that are out of the reach of children.

Additionally, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers a 24 hour, 365 day animal poison-related assistance at their toll-free number: (888) 426-4435.

Prevent Exposure

Here’s what you can do to prevent exposure to poisons:

• When you’re using products, never leave products unattended
• Use products that are the safest and those that contain have the following label: Design for the Environment (DfE)
• Keep the  Poison Control Centers’ National Helpline by your phone: 1-800-222-1222
• Never use pesticides that are illegal and a danger to public health (like Tres Pasitos or unregistered Insecticidal Chalk)
• Look for products that have an EPA Registration ID number on the label: (for example: EPA Reg. No 500-123456)
• Always re-close products you’re using when interrupted (phone calls, doorbell, etc.)
• Always use child-resistant packaging when possible and close them tightly after use
• Remove toys, pets, and children when applying pesticides in your home or outdoors.  Know when it’s safe for pets and children to re-enter an area by following the directions on the label.