POISON PREVENTION
WEEK
The Alabama Poison Center I 2503 Phoenix Drive I Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 I FAX 205-345-7189
“Poisoning Spans a Lifetime!” This is the theme of the 50th annual National Poison
Prevention Week, March 20 – 26th. National Poison Prevention Week is a time to raise
awareness about the dangers of poisons among all ages, and how to contact the poison
center for help.
Dr. John Fisher, director of the Alabama Poison Center explains, “Poisonings can occur
anywhere! Most poison exposures, 90%, occur in the home.” Children under 6 years of age
account for more than 54% of all exposures reported to the Poison Center. More than
10,000 children were exposed to poisons in Alabama during 2009 alone. Many exposures
happen while a product is out and in use, during the daiy routines. “Never leave a child out
of sight while the product is in use, “ warns Dr. Fisher. According to CDC, chidren account
for 19% of the serious injuries from poisons, and 9% of the deaths. Adults, however, are
responsible for 81% of the serious injuries, and 91% of the deaths. “Poisonings can happen
to anyone! An adult is poisoned every 39 seconds in the US. More than one-third of all
exposures reported involved adults that made mistakes too. According to the CDC 2008
report, 72% of the poisoning deaths in the US were unintentinoal. Unintentional exposures
are unforseen or unplanned, and do not include intentional or abusive exposures.
Unintentinal poisoning was second only to motor vehicle crashes as a cause of
unintentional injury death in 2005 (CDC 2008). Among people 35 to 54 years old,
unintentional poisoning caused more deaths than motor vehicle crashes. Poisoning is a
problem for everyone.”
The Alabama Poison Center recommends the following safety precautions to help reduce
risk of poison exposure:
o Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
o Never refer to medicine as candy.
o Use child-resistant caps on medication bottles.
o Keep all chemicals in only the original containers.
o Avoid taking medicine in front of children as they often attempt to mimic the adults.
o Use lights when taking medicine.
o Wear glasses to avoid taking the wrong medicine by mistake.
o Never store chemicals in food containers.
o Use products only as instructed on label.
o If poisoning happens, call the Alabama Poison Center at once.
Don’t forget to Poison Proof garages, basements, and storage areas for items such as
pesticides, herbicides, automotive products, flower bulbs, or fertilizers. For further
information or questions, call the Alabama Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK
March 20-26, 2011
Left to Right: Dr. Mark Heinrich,
Shelton President; Dr. John Fisher,
APC Director; Lois Dorough, APC
Education Director; Seated:
Governor Bob Riley
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Governor Bob Riley
signed a proclamation for
Poison Prevention Week in
2009
Governor Robert Bently
showed his support this year
by signing a proclamation
designating the 3rd week in
March as Poison Prevention
Week in Alabama.
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The Alabama Poison Center staff and administration
wish all of you a poison-safe environment.
Please call us if you have any questions or concerns.
1-800-222-1222
We are here for YOU!
