National Poison Prevention Week

National Poison Prevention Week was endorsed by the United States congress in 1961 and was designated to take place annually, during the third full week of March. In the early 1980s, Poison Centres across Canada also began to promote Poison Prevention Week during this same week.

Canadian poison centres continue to promote Poison Prevention Week through a variety of activities. Each year, they work closely with media representatives, as well as community partners such as Safe Kids Canada and Health Canada to promote poison safety messages.

Quick Links:
Dr. Margaret Thompson from @ON_Poison joins @Candace_Global - Click Here
National Poison Prevention Week March 16-22, 2025 - Click Here
Proclamation Endorsement of Poison Prevention Week - Click Here
Landmarks across Ontario light up green: National Poison Prevention Week! - Click Here
Current Top 10 Exposures - Click Here
NPPW Colouring Book - Click Here
Local School Poison Prevention Artwork - Click Here
Poison Prevention Week Story Time - Click Here

National Poison Prevention Week: Empower Poison Prevention! March 16 to 22, 2025

National Poison Prevention Week 2025: #CheckForPoisons

Every year, National Poison Prevention Week (March 16-22, 2025) highlights the importance of recognizing poisoning risks and taking steps to prevent them. Poisoning is a leading cause of injury-related deaths in Canada, and many exposures involve common household items such as medications, cleaning products, cannabis, button batteries, and e-cigarettes.

This year, the Ontario Poison Centre (OPC), Parachute, and other injury prevention partners encourage everyone to #CheckForPoisons to identify potential poisons in their homes and workplaces.

Here’s what you can do:

• Store safely: Keep medications, chemicals, and other hazardous substances locked up and out of reach of children.

• Read labels: Always follow instructions on medications and household products.

• Dispose properly: Return unused or expired medications to your pharmacy.

• Be prepared: Save the poison centre number in your phone: 1-844 POISON X (or 1-800-268-9017).

OPC provides 24/7 expert advice on poisonings, offering support to both the public and healthcare professionals. If you suspect poisoning, call immediately—help is free and confidential.

Join the conversation on social media by using #CheckForPoisons and #NPPW2025 to spread awareness. Follow along for tips and resources to keep you and your family safe.

Looking for more poison prevention resources? Visit our Linktree (https://linktr.ee/OntarioPoisonCentre) for quick access to:

• Download our contact info: Save our number for emergencies
• Website: Learn more about poison prevention and resources
• Youtube: Watch educational videos on poisoning risks and management
• X (Twitter): Get real-time updates and safety tips
• Instagram & Facebook: Follow us for engaging poison safety content
• Toxicology Times for Healthcare Providers: Read expert insights on toxicology cases

Canada
Drug Free Kids Canada:
Drug Free Kids Canada – Drug Free Kids Canada
Health Canada:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/health-effects.html#a8
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/health-effects/parents.html

Canadian Poison Centres

Learn more about other Canadian poison centres.

Canadian Association for Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicology