Poisoning prevention
Poisonings are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths for King County residents. Each year, an average of 216 King County residents died and another 690 were hospitalized from poisoning from 2006 to 2010.
...Washington State Dept. of Health, Injury Data Tables, April 2011
Unintentional poisoning can occur from any chemical or substance that causes a person to become sick or results in death. Poisoning sources can range from overdose of prescription medications, exposure to harmful fumes or gases, cleaning substances, alcohol or even plants or animals. Overdose of prescription and other medications and overdose of stimulants and other drugs are common sources of unintentional poisoning deaths and injuries.
Washington Poison Center
The Washington Poison Center is a statewide provider of immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance on the telephone in the case of exposure to poisonous, hazardous or toxic substances.
The WA Poison Center is accessible toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, at 1-800-222-1222.
Phones are staffed by pharmacists, nurses, and poison information providers. Using the telephone Poison Center can prevent an unnecessary trip to the emergency room. In 2009, the WA Poison Center helped avert over 50,000 trips to Emergency Departments or Urgent Care Units by providing expert medical help to people over the phone.
Resources
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