Friday Facts! Poison Prevention

Welcome to Friday Facts! here on the Knowledge Safari blog. Each week we aim to shine the spotlight on a various segment of special needs in order to raise awareness and provide information. For the next several weeks, we are focusing on childhood safety issues which are important for all families.

Today we focus on Poison Prevention.

The following is taken from the Children's Safety Network:

Definition: The CDC defines poison as any substance that is harmful to your body when ingested, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through the skin.

Magnitude of the Problem:
According to the CDC,
In 2005, 72% of the 32,691 poisoning deaths in the U.S. were unintentional, and 10% were of undetermined intent
In 2005, 18% of the 32,691 poisoning deaths in the U.S. were intentional; the majority were suicides
In 2004, 95% of unintentional and undetermined poisoning deaths were caused by drugs (this includes prescription medication)
In 2004, 75% of poisoning suicides were caused by drugs. The most commonly used drugs were psychoactive drugs (e.g., sedatives and antidepressants), followed by opiates and prescription pain medications

The Home Safety Council states that poisoning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in the home

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration's Poison Help project, 50.7 % of possible poisonings occur in children under age 6

Prevention: Poison Control Centers can be valuable resources in helping to prevent poisonings in communities. They can also be cost saving services for states, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for every dollar spent on Poison Control Center services, $7 is saved in medical spending. Raising awareness about poison prevention resources can be done through National Poison Prevention Week, which occurs every March. National organizations like the Home Safety Council and the American Association of Poison Control Centers can provide educational materials to help individuals understand common poisons found in the home, and steps to take to reduce risks and help keep children safe.

CSN Publications
Northeast Injury Prevention Network: Poison Data Book
Poison Control Centers save Money and Lives

Useful Publications
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Poison Prevention Safety Tips
National Poison Prevention Planner
Poison Prevention Educator Kit (Home Safety Council)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - Poison Prevention Publications

CSN Presentations
What exactly is a poisoning?

Injury Prevention Links
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
American Academy of Clinical Toxicology
American Association of Poison Control Centers
Home Safety Council Poison Prevention Page
HRSA Poison Control Program
National Conference of State Legislators Poison Control Center Laws
Poison Prevention Week Council
Safe Kids USA
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission