Poison Control

Poison Control

The Problem

In 1999, poison control centers in the United States reported approximately 2.2 million poison exposures, 873 of which resulted in death.

Most poisoning deaths are caused by pills, alcohols, gases and fumes, and chemicals.
More than 90% of poison exposures occur in the home.
Of all poison exposures in 1999, 52.5% occurred among children younger than 6.
In 1999, 570,000 people were treated in health care facilities for poison exposures.
U.S. poison control centers suffer from the pressures of a rapidly changing health care delivery and financing system that increasingly depletes funding sources. Additionally, public and professional access to the emergency service is hampered by a confusing array of telephone numbers and disjointed local prevention efforts for the 70 poison control centers nationwide.

CDC's Accomplishments

Nationwide, toll-free number for poison control
With funding from CDC and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) is implementing a single, toll-free poison control number nationwide. All state poison centers are expected to implement this toll-free number by the end of 2001. Having one nationwide number will improve access to poison control services for all Americans, including those in underserved areas.

Campaign to raise awareness of poison control services
CDC and HRSA have also funded AAPCC to establish a nationwide public education program and public service media campaign to inform Americans about the new number and to raise awareness of the services that poison control centers provide. The campaign will promote consistent, positive, and effective messages both nationally and locally. Promotional items such as stickers and magnets will promote the toll-free number.

Future Steps

The Poison Center Enhancement and Awareness Act of 2000 provided $20 million in FY 2001 to enhance poison prevention and treatment services. These funds will support the national education and awareness campaign and evaluate its effectiveness in increasing the number of U.S. residents who call the toll-free poison control number.

Another priority is developing uniform patient-management guidelines for poison control centers to ensure that all callers receive consistent, accurate guidance and information. In addition, further work is needed to enhance poison control centers' capacity for early detection and reporting of clusters of toxic exposures.

Just The Facts : Poison Exposure or Poisoning?

Poison Exposure:
Ingestion of or contact with a substance that can produce toxic effects.

Poisoning:
A poison exposure that results in physical harm.

This page last reviewed July17, 2002

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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