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Poisoning is a public health problem. It does
not just happen to children. It can happen to anyone, at any time and
in any place. A poison is anything that can harm someone if it is (1)
used in the wrong way, (2) used by the wrong person, or (3) used in the
wrong amount. Poisons may harm you when they get in the eyes or on the
skin. Other poisons may harm you if you breathe them in or swallow them.
Poisoning is much more common than most people think.
Take a look at these statistics*:
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Each year, more than 2 million possible poisonings
are reported to the nation’s poison centers.
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On average, poison centers handle 1 possible
poisoning every
13 seconds.
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More than 70 percent of all poison deaths occur
in adults ages
20 to 59.
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Older adults are more likely than others to die
from poisonings. These adults account for 5 percent of possible poisonings
but for 16 percent of the deaths.
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51 percent of possible poisonings involve children
under age 6.
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93 percent of possible poisonings happen at home. |
*Source: American
Association of Poison Control Centers
People live with poisons every day. In fact, many of the products in our
homes and garages are poisons. Many poisons exist in nature too. The Poison
Help website teaches people about these poisons, poison safety and prevention
and when to contact a poison center.
The
Poison Help website provides resources for people, health professionals,
and organizations. Poison Help resources can be used to help with poison
prevention activities. If you are involved in such work, we hope you will
find this site helpful. For more information and opportunities for conducting
outreach, contact your regional Poison
Center or contact us.
The Poison Help number,
1-800-222-1222, will connect you to the poison center serving your region.
The U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, Health
Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funds the Poison Help
number (1-800-222-1222), Poison Help website and campaign.
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