Poison prevention…It’s in your hands
 
For National Poison Prevention Week, March 21-27, the Injury Prevention Centre, the Poison and Drug Information Service (PADIS), Alberta Health Services and community partners from across Alberta are sharing messages encouraging Albertans to take action to prevent poisonings from disinfectants, hand sanitizers and household cleaners.
 
As Albertans take steps to protect their families and communities from COVID-19, they have increased their use of these products. While they are essential for cleaning and preventing the spread of the virus, when used incorrectly, these products can cause unintentional poisoning and serious injuries.
 
When comparing the same two time periods in 2019 and 2020, PADIS reported:
  • A 73% increase in calls concerning exposures to disinfectants, hand sanitizers and bleaches.
  • Of calls due to disinfectants, hand sanitizers and bleaches, calls due to hand sanitizers increased 200%.
Help share information about safe storage and handling of these products with your community. Visit the Injury Prevention Center's website for resources to download and share including a campaign backgrounder, key prevention messages, posters, social media, a poison prevention checklist and video.
 
For more information, contact Patti Stark, Community Mobilization Coordinator, Injury Prevention Center.

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