National Poison Prevention Week

The danger of being exposured to a poison could occur in your own home. Did you know that cosmetics, medicines and household items if accidently consumed by children could lead to a poison exposure? The same danger potentially applies to an ointment that is intended to be used externally and is accidently ingested. In honor of National Poison Prevention Week, MedicineNet.com editors contacted Roseane Soloway, Associate Director,External Affairs & Member Services for the American Association of Poison Control Centers to discuss the top 10 types of poison exposures.

Question: How many cases does the U.S. Poison Control Center handle throughout the year?

Answer: In 1998; 2,224,182 human poison exposures cases were handled nationwide.

What are the top 10 poison exposure cases?

• Cleaning Substances
• Pain Relievers
• Cosmetic, Personal Care Products
• Foreign Bodies
• Cough & Cold Preparations
• Bites & Stings
• Incesticides & Pesticides
• Topical Medicines
• Food Products & Poisoning

Question: Where are the majority of poison exposure cases handled?

Answer: 75% of the cases are managed by at the site where the poison exposure happened. 25% are handled by hospitals or are referred to hospitals.

To learn more visit the following MedicineNet.com articles: