National Poison Prevention Week:

Safety
Written By Pat

Protecting Nevada Families at Home

Every third week of March, communities nationwide observe

Here in Nevada, poison exposures affect residents across all age groups. State opioid response reports show that between 2015 and 2019, prescription opioids accounted for approximately 30.5% of informational poison control calls.
Nevada Department of Health & Human Services: https://dhhs.nv.gov

Additionally, Southern Nevada has reported increases in childhood lead exposure cases, highlighting the importance of environmental safety in older homes.
Southern Nevada Health District: https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org

Everyday Poison Risks at Home

Many poisonings involve common household items:

  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications

  • Cleaning supplies

  • Personal care products

  • Alcohol

  • Carbon monoxide

  • Lead exposure from older paint or pipes

Children are especially vulnerable because they explore their environment by touching and tasting unfamiliar objects. Adults are at risk due to medication errors, drug interactions, and improper storage.

Prevention Starts Before an Emergency

Most poisonings are preventable with consistent safety habits:

  • Store medications and chemicals locked and out of reach

  • Read labels carefully every time

  • Never mix household cleaners

  • Keep products in original containers

  • Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors

🧡 Call to Action

Save the Poison Help number today:

📞 1-800-222-1222
Available 24/7, free, and confidential.

You can also chat online at: https://www.poisonhelp.org

If someone is unconscious, not breathing, or having seizures, call 911 immediately.

This National Poison Prevention Week, take five minutes to walk through your home and identify potential risks. A simple safety check today can prevent a life-altering emergency tomorrow.


Pat
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