National Poison Prevention Week

National Poison Prevention Week was endorsed by the United States congress in 1961 and was designated to take place annually, during the third full week of March. In the early 1980s, Poison Centres across Canada also began to promote Poison Prevention Week during this same week.

Canadian poison centres continue to promote Poison Prevention Week through a variety of activities. Each year, they work closely with media representatives, as well as community partners such as Safe Kids Canada and Health Canada to promote poison safety messages.

Quick Links:
Proclamation Endorsement of Poison Prevention Week - Click Here
Landmarks across Ontario light up green: National Poison Prevention Week! - Click Here
Current Top 10 Exposures - Click Here
Local School Poison Prevention Artwork - Click Here

National Poison Prevention Week: Prevention is Key! March 19-25, 2023

Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics (ex/tylenol, advil) have consistently been one of our top exposures, comprising thousands of cases that OPC handles each year.

In recognition of the upcoming National Poison Prevention Week (March 19-25, 2023), Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) plans to raise awareness of unintentional poisonings from these OTCs, with a focus on infants/children in the 0-5yr age category. This is especially topical given the rampant cold/flu season we’ve been experiencing, as well as the shortage of infant/children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen products.

Health Centres, Hospitals and Shopper Drug Marts across Ontario will be distributing during the month of March, Ontario Poison Centre fridge magnets with our phone numbers. These are great to have in a visible place in your home in case of emergency. If you would like to some magnets for your organization to distribute, please contact us via email Poison.Information@sickkids.ca

Twitter (@ON_Poison),
Facebook (Ontario Poison Centre)
Instagram (ontariopoisoncentre)

Stay up to date with us during National Poison Prevention Week by looking for hashtags:

#RethinkPoisons (Canada)
#NPPW2023 (North America)

The next year National Poison Prevention Week is March 17-23, 2024.

If you’re interested in getting involved or partnering with OPC in promoting this awareness week, please email us: poison.information@sickkids.ca

Canada
Drug Free Kids Canada:
http://bit.ly/39L23jK
Health Canada:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/health-effects.html#a8
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/health-effects/parents.html

Canadian Poison Centres

Learn more about other Canadian poison centres.

Canadian Association for Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicology