Every 30 seconds a child is poisoned in the United States. Each year, more than 1.1 million unintentional poisonings among children ages five and under are reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers. Approximately 92% of all poisonings occur in the home, and 53% involve children under the age of six.

Children are at significantly greater risk from poisoning death and exposure than adults because they are smaller, have faster metabolic rates, and are less able to physically handle toxic chemicals. Also, their curiosity and desire to put everything in their mouths increases their poisoning risk.

New single nationwide phone number for poison control
The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have established a single number to use to reach your local poison control center. The new number is 1-800-222-1222. When you call 1-800-222-1222 from anywhere in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you're automatically connected to the nearest poison control center.