Mr. Yuk celebrates his 50th birthday in 2021! The familiar green face was created at the Pittsburgh Poison Center in 1971. Dr. Richard Moriarty, the founder of the Pittsburgh Poison Center, wanted to create a symbol that could help prevent poisonings in children.
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National Poison Prevention Week 2021
National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) has been observed in the United States since 1962. It began on February 7, 1962, when President John F. Kennedy responded to a request from Congress and proclaimed the third full week of March every year as National Poison Prevention Week.
Poison Centers are for Everyone
A common myth we hear is that poison centers are just for little kids. But, that couldn’t be further from the truth — poison centers are for everyone!
Child-Resistant Packaging
Child-resistant packaging first came into Americans’ lives in 1970. Hundreds of children had been dying each year after getting into household products and medicines. Then the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) was signed into law.
Carbon Monoxide
January is the deadliest month for carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings. Although they can happen year-round, CO poisonings occur more often during the winter months, as colder temperatures cause people to use furnaces and other heaters.
Holiday Plants
As you begin to deck the halls this holiday season, you may find yourself reaching for a plant or two to help spruce up your space. Let’s look at some of the most common plants that pop up around the holiday season and whether they are safe decorating choices.
The Importance of a Medicine Tracker
Taking at least one medicine is a routine part of many people’s day. In fact, some people might even take many medicines every day. It is a good idea to keep an up-to-date list of all of the medicines you take.
Will Kids Really Eat That?
Children learn about their environment by exploring. They look, touch, and taste. Sometimes, the things they taste are a real head scratcher, but are they actually harmful?
What You Should Know About Button Batteries
Button batteries are tiny, but dangerous. They are found in toys, remote controls, hearing aids, watches, musical greeting cards, calculators, and other electronic devices. Many button batteries are smaller than a quarter. Because of their small size, a button battery can be easily swallowed by a child without a parent realizing.
Safe Medicine Disposal
Keeping unused or expired medicines in your home is dangerous. If your doctor tells you to stop taking a medicine, promptly dispose of it to help prevent a medicine error. Make it a habit to regularly dispose of unused and expired medicines.