News

National Poison Prevention Week is March 16 – 22, 2025.

More than two million poisonings were reported to the Nation’s poison control centers in 2023, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, with over 90% of the poisonings occurring at home and 40 percent of poisonings involving children age five or under. Over 100,000 people died from poisonings in 2022 alone. Here are some tips to avoid potential poisonings.

• Keep all chemicals and potentially poisonous substances in locked cabinets or out
• Keep antifreeze, all chemicals, and other household products in their original containers.
• Make sure the lid is tight and secure before putting away any medicines, cleaners, or chemicals.
• When taking prescription medicines, always read the label and follow the medication directions closely, especially when giving them to children.
• Use child-resistant closures on medicine and other products.

If you or a loved one has been potentially exposed to a poisonous material, you can get real-time support by calling the Washington State Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.