As National Poison Prevention Week begins, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is reminding New Yorkers of prevention measures to reduce poisoning risks. Established in 1961, National Poison Prevention Week was created to raise awareness of poison prevention and safety. According to the Center for Disease Control, poisoning is a significant problem in the United States and is the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths, surpassing motor vehicle crashes.
Accidental poisoning can happen to children, adults, and pets inside the home. This week is a good reminder to review potential hazards and secure poisonous substances to avoid unnecessary illness or tragedy. Everyday household items, such as cleaning supplies, cosmetic/personal care products, medications or faulty carbon monoxide detectors can pose serious harm if not properly stored or maintained.
“During National Poison Prevention Week, we encourage New Yorkers to take simple steps to make their homes safer,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Everyday household items like cleaning products, medications and personal care products can pose serious risks if not stored properly. By keeping these items out of reach of children and pets, reading product labels for proper use instructions, and maintaining working carbon monoxide detectors, families can help prevent accidental poisonings and protect their loved ones.”
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Curiosity and exploring are normal for children, yet should not be deadly. During National Poison Prevention Week, I encourage everyone to make sure hazardous items around the house are stored safely and out of reach of children and pets. Children are especially vulnerable to exposure to common household items like medications, household cleaners, pesticides and cosmetics. Millions of people are unintentionally poisoned every year, and children under the age of six are at the greatest risk. The Department remains committed to working with partner state agencies and New York’s dedicated Poison Control Centers to raise awareness and provide educational resources to help keep New Yorkers and their families safe.”
Follow these Poison Prevention Tips:
Additional resources are offered through the American Association of Poison Control Centers page. The NYS Department of Health also offers resources through New York’s two poison control centers:
The Upstate New York Poison Control Center:
Location
Upstate Medical University
The Upstate New York Poison Center
750 East Adams Street
Syracuse, New York 13210
Counties Served
All counties in New York excluding New York City, Long Island and Westchester.
Telephone Numbers
Emergency TOLL-FREE: 1-800-222-1222
TTY: (315) 464-5424
Website Address
upstate.edu/poison
Location
New York City Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene
455 First Avenue, Room 123
New York, New York 10016
Counties Served
Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester
Telephone Numbers
Emergency TOLL-FREE: 1-800-222-1222
TTY: (212) 689-9014
Website Address
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/poison-control.page
For any animal poison-related questions in New York State, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435), the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) or your veterinarian.
About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.
For more consumer protection information, call the Division of Consumer Protection Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or visit the DCP website at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer