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WAPC Resources & Data

 

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National (American Association of Poison Control Centers) Data – 2008

  • 2,479,200 human exposures were reported to poison centers nationwide. Of these 72.9% were managed over the telephone and not treated directly by a health care professional.
  • Almost 45% of human exposures were followed-up by poison center staff.
  • Over 130,000 pet owners called a poison center about their animal.
  • Calls about children under the age of six made up just half of all cases (1,287,477).

Washington Poison Center (WAPC) Data – 2009 (annual year)

 
  • Total # of call charts = 85,282
  • # exposure calls = 70,594
  • # confirmed nonexposures = 142
  • # information calls = 14,546
  • # human exposure calls = 66,205
  • # animal exposure calls = 4,389
  • # calls from EMS = 4,554

    Average 233 calls a day!

Are you looking for specific Poison Center data not listed here? Fill out our data request form and fax or email it back to the contact listed on the form.
   
 
  • Almost 56% (36,816) of exposure calls were children under the age of six, of those 46.2% were poisoned by medications.
  • 7.6% (2,813) of children under the age of six were poisoned outside of their home.
  • The senior adult population (over 65) continues to be at risk for poisonings making up 4.3% (2,866) of the total exposure calls received by the WAPC.
The top 5 exposure calls regarding substances were:
(all ages)
  • Ibuprofen
  • Benzodiazepine (tranquilizers)
  • Ethanol (alcoholic beverages)
  • Diaper care/rash products
  • Antihistamines, excluding Diphenhydramine
The top 5 categories of calls were:
(all ages)
  • Analgesics (pain killers)
  • Cosmetics/personal care products
  • Cleaning substances (household)
  • Foreign bodies/toys/miscellaneous
  • Sedative/hypnotics/antipsychotics
The top 5 exposure calls regarding substances were:
(children under 6 years)
  • Ibuprofen
  • Diaper care/rash products
  • Pediatric Acetaminophen (children's Tylenal)
  • Desiccant
  • Toothpaste with fluoride
The top 5 categories of calls were:
(children under 6 years)
  • Cosmetics/personal care products
  • Analgesics (pain killers)
  • Cleaning substances (household)
  • Foreign bodies/toys/miscellaneous
  • Topical preparations

 

Washington State Department of Health Data - 2007

  • Poisoning is the first leading cause of unintentional injury-related death.
  • Poisoning was the second leading cause of unintentional hospitalizations.
  • There were 5,241 nonfatal hospitalizations due to poisonings – 2,506 were unintentional.
  • Just over 531 seniors over 65 years old were hospitalized for a nonfatal poisoning.

 

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This site is designed to be informational and educational and is
not meant to replace the expert advice of a qualified poison
specialist or physician.  In the event of a poisoning emergency,
call
1-800-222-1222 immediately.
TTY relay: 7-1-1

(c) Washington Poison Center, 2010
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