Michigan Ag Connection - Take Steps to Prevent Poisonings at Home

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Take Steps to Prevent Poisonings at Home
Michigan Ag Connection - 03/19/2019

Last year, the Michigan Regional Poison Control Center responded to more than 60,000 calls related to potential poisonings; 46 percent involving children under the age of six. To raise awareness of the dangers of potentially poisonous medicines and chemicals, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is joining the Michigan Regional Poison Control Center in recognizing March 17-23 as National Poison Prevention Week.

More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the nation's poison centers. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, approximately 90 percent of poisonings happen at home.

"By educating Michigan residents about preventative measures they can take, we can help keep our environments and loved ones safe," said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. "But, if needed, calling poison control can help Michiganders manage their exposures to poison wisely, with nearly 47 percent of calls managed at home without requiring medical intervention."

Residents should follow preventative measures to reduce the risk of poisonings, including:

- Keep all chemicals, including medications, out of the reach of children.

- Carefully read the labels and dosages on all products before using.

- Keep products in their original containers.

- Do not mix chemicals.

- Have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home.

- Program the National Poison Control number in your phone -- 800-222-1222.

To learn more about ways to keep people of all ages safe and help prevent poisonings, visit the Poison Help Web site at PoisonHelp.hrsa.gov. To view materials in Spanish, visit PoisonHelpEspanol.hrsa.gov.

In the event of a poison emergency, contact the Michigan Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. If someone is unconscious or has trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.

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