Facts about Poisoning

							                            Five Facts about Poisoning
March 14th – 20th is National Poison Prevention Week. The Washington Poison Center
(WAPC) shares some facts.

Fact 1: More than 50% of reported poisonings involve children six and younger and is
the most common reasons children are seen in emergency rooms.

Fact 2: Adult poisonings cause more serious injuries and have a higher fatality rate than
children’s poisoning cases!

Fact 3: Animals and pets get poisoned, too. Due to changes in funding, the WAPC now
charges a $30 credit card fee before answering animal related poison calls.

Fact 4: Calls to 1-800-222-1222 are free and confidential. Experts are available 24/7 to
take your calls. Services are also available for people with hearing problems and for non-
English speakers (140 languages).

Fact 5: The WAPC saves money and lives! Over 85% of cases are handled over the
telephone, reducing expensive visits to emergency rooms or urgent care facilities.

So the next time you have a question about a poison or medication, call the Poison Help
line right away: 1-800-222-1222. What’s good to know is that your question will be
answered by a specially-trained pharmacist, nurse or poison specialist -- 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. Keep that Mr. Yuk sticker with your list of emergency numbers -- calling it
could mean the difference between an emergency room visit or managing the situation
safely home.