More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 57 poison control centers across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old. And, poisonings are one of the leading causes of death among adults.

National Poison Prevention Week, the third week in March each year, is a week nationally designated to highlight the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. However, every day people can and do prevent poisonings.

During Poison Prevention Week, consumers are urged to ask a question, share a story, or simply follow the Twitter conversation by using #PreventPoison or #NPPW16. The PPWC will share poison-related data, images, information, and videos on topics ranging from child safety to medication safety. Consumers can follow the PPWC on Twitter (@PreventPoison) and also like and follow along with the Council’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Poison-Prevention-Week-Council- 311432602245411/).

For additional information about poison prevention, visit the Poison Prevention Week Council’s website at www.poisonprevention.org or on Twitter @PreventPoison. Individuals and organizations that would like to follow social media content pertaining to National Poison Prevention Week should use and search for the hashtags #PreventPoison or #NPPW16.