In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, the West Virginia Poison Center is launching its statewide awareness campaign “Little Hands, Big Curiosities” to help West Virginia families protect children from poison exposures.
As part of the campaign, the poison center will provide community outreach events and social media resources designed specifically for West Virginia families and child care settings through Friday (March 20).
Young children are naturally curious and often explore by touching and tasting, behaviors that can increase the risk of accidental poisoning from medications, household cleaners, personal care products and other everyday items found in homes.
Poison exposures remain a significant public health concern nationwide.
America’s Poison Centers manage millions of exposure cases each year, with more than half involving children and teens, and most incidents occurring in the home.
In West Virginia, poison prevention is especially important for families and caregivers. Historically, state data shows that children accounted for about 60% of poison exposure cases, with nearly half involving children under age 6 — the age group most vulnerable to unintentional exposures.
During Poison Prevention Week, the West Virginia Poison Center encourages families, schools and child care providers to focus on the following key safety steps:
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Keep medicines, cleaning products and chemicals locked up and out of sight.
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Always store products in their original labeled containers.
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Avoid transferring chemicals into drink bottles or unlabeled cups.
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Safely dispose of unused or expired medications.
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Teach children to ask an adult before touching or tasting unknown items.
Established by Congress in 1961, National Poison Prevention Week is observed annually during the third full week of March to help prevent toxic exposures to medicines and household chemicals.
If a poisoning occurs or there is a question about a potential exposure, trained medical experts are available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. Calls are free, confidential and available to all West Virginians.
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