National Poison Prevention Week, 2009

Proclamation 8352 of March 13, 2009

National Poison Prevention Week, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since 1962, National Poison Prevention Week has helped
raise awareness about the dangers of potentially
poisonous substances and has provided the opportunity
to educate fellow Americans about preventing and
responding to poisonings. This education effort is
critical to the well-being of children and adults
alike, as both remain susceptible to poison exposure.

According to the American Association of Poison Control
Centers (AAPCC), more than two million potential poison
exposures are reported to the Nation's 61 poison
control centers every year. More than half of those
exposures involve children aged five and under. The
AAPCC also reports that more than one thousand deaths
due to poisoning take place in the United States every
year.

Poisoning most frequently involves medicines and
typical household chemicals, including cleaning
supplies and personal care products. When improperly
stored, these substances can present threats to the
health and well-being of people subject to exposure.
Taking simple steps can protect family and friends from
harm. For example, keeping poisonous materials in their
original containers, placing these materials out of
children's reach, following handling instructions and
recommended dosages, and installing carbon monoxide
detectors can all help save lives. More information can
be found at www.aapcc.org. In the event of a potential
poisoning, experts at local poison control centers can
be reached at 1-800-222-1222. As children and adults
suffer from poison exposures, all Americans should take
seriously this grave health risk.

To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers
of accidental poisonings and to take appropriate
preventive measures, the Congress, by joint resolution
approved September 26, 1961, as amended (75 Stat. 681),
has authorized and requested the President to issue a
proclamation designating the third week of March each
year as ``National Poison Prevention Week.'' I
encourage all Americans to familiarize themselves with
this issue and take steps to protect their families.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 15
through March 21, 2009, as National Poison Prevention
Week.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.