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 Safety Archive
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.
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.
Fall Poison Safety
Each season comes with different poison hazards that we need to keep in mind. Although we are still coping with COVID-19, poisonings continue to happen. Below, we share some tips to help you stay poison safe during the fall season.
Poison Emergency Preparedness
September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Let’s look at some steps that families can take to make sure they are prepared for a poison emergency. Remember, if the person is not breathing, is unconscious, or having seizures, call 911 right away. If not, call 1-800-222-1222 to talk to a poison specialist who is ready to answer your call.
Stop, Ask First!
Children under the age of six accounted for 36% of cases at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC) in 2019. One common reason for unintentional exposures in children is that they are not able to tell the difference between products that look alike. Teach young children to “Stop, Ask First” before touching, tasting, or smelling something.
Insect Repellents
Summer is in full force! Whether you’re going camping in the woods or just playing at the neighborhood park, you’ll likely find yourself applying sunscreen and bug spray before heading out. Let’s explore how to safely use insect repellents to better protect our loved ones when outdoors.
Maryland Critters that Bite and Sting
Although most critters in Maryland are beneficial to the ecosystem, some can bite or sting humans, potentially causing an injury.