The annual commemoration of National Poison Prevention Week, which was marked this year from March 19-25, aims to help prevent those childhood poisonings by reminding people to check their homes now. For aspirin and oral prescription medicine, special packaging has saved the lives of about 800 children since the early 1970s. If a young child swallows a medicine or chemical, parents must call the poison control center immediately. If Congress approves funding this year, the act will financially stabilize poison center programs throughout the United States. National Poison Prevention Week is organized each year by the Poison Prevention Week Council, a coalition of national organizations working to prevent poisonings.
Children are curious, and they act fast.
Keep chemicals and medicines out of reach and out of sight. Poisonings can, and should, be prevented. Aaron swallowed some hand-sanitizing gel from a pump bottle. His mother called the poison center which recommended that she give him something to drink, watch him for an hour, and not let him go to sleep. He is fine today.