Poison Prevention Awareness Month takes place every March, but the topic is important every day. According to the most recently published statistics from the CDC, unintentional poisoning in the United States took 100,304 lives in 2023.
The Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center is run by Wayne State University and is one of 53 nationally accredited poison control centers. Their staff manages more than 50,000 poison-related exposures each year. Their local number can be found below.
It’s easy to forget that many everyday substances we use at home are potentially dangerous, and Poison Prevention Awareness Month is a time to remind ourselves to be careful with the storage and accessibility of hazardous items.
Some of the most common types of accidental poisonings include ingestion of over-the-counter or prescription medications, ingestion of dishwasher tabs or laundry detergent pods and accidental inhalation of strong chemicals, such as pesticide spray or bleach fumes.
During the winter, be mindful of the increased presence of useful but potentially dangerous antifreeze and snow salt. Additionally, keep your home safe with a carbon monoxide (CO) detector, as some heating strategies emit CO.
Household pets are also susceptible to accidental exposure to products such as those listed above. In addition, many human foods are considered toxic to pets, such as grapes, onions and chocolate. Refer to the ASPCA website for a comprehensive list of foods to avoid giving to your pet.
Important poison prevention information to keep on hand:
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24-hour Poison Control Helpline: 1-800-222-1222. This free, confidential call connects you to your local poison control help center.
- Michigan residents can dial locally: 1-313-486-0078.
- Poison Help Online Tool: If someone has come into contact with a poison, this tool provides guidance on what to do.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).
- Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 (a consultation fee may apply).
Remember, if an individual suspected of being poisoned has collapsed, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, call 911 immediately.
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