For You & Your Family
In an Emergency
- Call the Poison Center Hotline (1-800-222-1222): If you or another person has been poisoned, or think you may have been poisoned.
- Remain calm: The majority of poison emergencies can be resolved quickly.
- Call 9-1-1: If the person has collapsed, is unconscious, or has difficulty breathing.
How Poisons can Hurt You
Check additional pages for information on poisons and the potential consequences of poisons when they are swallowed or inhaled, or get in your eyes or on your skin.
How to Talk to Your Children
We have information and tips for you on how to talk to your children about poisons.
What is a Poison?
Each year, over two million calls are received from poison centers nationwide, so it is important to be aware of the various poisons that we come into contact with each day, check the information listed below to help make your home safer.
Who is Poisoned & Why does it Happen?
Young children are the most common victims of poisonings, however adults and pets also face potential poisonings, learn about situations that can lead to poisonings.
Medications
We have information about medications, including: how to read labels, safety tips and poisoning information.
Safety Tips
Our safety tips can help you prevent poisonings from occurring.
Syrup of Ipecac
Syrup of Ipecac is no longer being manufactured. If you own or are starting a daycare, the Revised Code of Washington states that you must have Syrup of Ipecac on hand. Since this is no longer possible, the State will forgo the bottle of Ipecac if you have our letter and number 1-800-222-1222 on hand. If you have Syrup of Ipecac and are thinking of using it, please call the Poison Center first.
Poison First Aid
See our poison first aid tips to learn how to handle a potential poisoning.
