Why should I learn about poisons?
What is a poison?
Could it be a poisoning?
What do I do if someone is poisoned?

Why should I learn about poisons?
Each year, two million poisoning exposures are reported to Poison Centers across the country. More than one million of these involve children under the age of six years old. Approximately 90% of these occur in the home.

What is a poison?
Any chemical or substance that can make you sick or kill you if you:

Eat it Drink it Breathe it Get it on your skin or In your eyes

Many household products and plants are poisons. Children, older people and pets are most at risk-but people of all ages can get poisoned! The Poison Center also gets calls about food poisoning; insect, spider, tick and snakebites; carbon monoxide; lead; pesticides; rabies and animal bites.

Could it be a poisoning?
If you see any of the following signs or symptoms, call 1-800-222-1222 right away:

An open container nearby Pills, berries, etc. in the mouth Strange odor on the breath Burns around the mouth Upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting Dizziness or unconsciousness Or nothing – in some cases it takes a long time for people and animals to show signs or symptoms if at all

What do I do if someone is poisoned?

Stay Calm, Act Fast!

Call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. For general information about poison first aid, click here.