Over two million poison exposures are reported annually to poison centers throughout the United States.

53 percent of poison exposures occur in children under the age of 6.

Most poisonings involve medications and vitamins, household and chemical products, personal care products and plants.

89 percent of all poison exposures occur in the home.

Poison exposures often occur during mealtimes when parents are busy with preparations. Poisonings also occur when the normal routine changes–holidays, moving, visiting, traveling, etc.

77 percent of exposures can be treated on the phone with guidance from the local poison center and without the need for an ambulance or hospital admission.

There are five types of poison exposures: ingestion (through the mouth), inhalation (breathed in through the nose or mouth), ocular (in the eyes), dermal (on the skin), and parenteral (bites or stings).

Child-proof caps are only child resistant. Given enough time a child can open these containers.