National Poison Prevention Week Starts Now

PPWC Launches Week-Long Campaign to Prevent Poisonings
 
Unintentional poisoning hazards span a lifetime but preventing poisoning can take only moments.  During National Poison Prevention Week, March 20 – 26, 2016, the Poison Prevention Week Council (PPWC) will take to social media to bring awareness to the common, but often hidden poison dangers, as well as encourage the public to take a few simple precautions to prevent poisonings.
 
In 2014, about 2.2 million calls were placed to the Poison Help Line (800-222-1222) from people coming into contact with dangerous or potentially dangerous substances. From incorrect medicine dosing to emerging hazards associated with liquid nicotine, most poisonings are unintentional and preventable.  This seven-day social media engagement campaign seeks to inform consumers about specific ways they can proactively protect themselves and their loved ones.
 
During Poison Prevention Week, consumers are urged to ask a question, share a story, or simply follow the Twitter conversation by using #PreventPoison or #NPPW16. The PPWC will share poison-related data, images, information, and videos on topics ranging from child safety to medication safety. Consumers can follow the PPWC on Twitter (@PreventPoison) and also like and follow along with the Council’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Poison-Prevention-Week-Council-311432602245411/).
 
This year’s NPPW daily topics include:
·         Monday, March 21 – Children Act Fast … So Do Poisons
·         Tuesday, March 22 – Poison Centers: Saving You Time and Money
·         Wednesday, March 23 – Poisonings Span a Lifetime
·         Thursday, March 24 – Home, Safe Home
·         Friday, March 25 – Medication Safety
 
“It’s important to remember that poisonings can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time.  While the majority of accidental human exposures called in to poison centers occur at a residence, they can also occur in the workplace, schools, healthcare facilities and elsewhere,” said Krista Osterthaler, Chair of the Poison Prevention Week Council and Director of National Outreach at the American Association of Poison Control Centers.  “The good news is that many poisonings are preventable, and if you need help, it’s readily available by calling Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.”
 
Personal care associations like American Cleaning Institute support this initiative.