Encouraging Safe Product Use During National Poison Prevention Week

March 17 was the beginning of National Poison Prevention Week for 2024—a time set aside annually during the third week of March to help Americans both prevent and tend to poison-related emergencies.

Originally created by U.S. Congress in 1961 and once again proclaimed by the current White House administration last Friday, this week is the perfect time to revisit employee training and ensure that all workers completely understand how to interact with cleaning products, many of which contain harmful chemicals. For more information on using cleaning products correctly and keeping them properly stored, check out Increase Your Knowledge, Improve Your Cleaning.

Particularly hazardous is the practice of mixing cleaning chemicals, which can result in the production of poisonous fumes. See Worker Develops Bronchitis After Mixing Cleaning Chemicals to learn just how dangerous mixing chemicals can be.

This week is also a great opportunity to help all facility inhabitants to become more aware of the dangers of poisonings and how to become involved in poisoning prevention. According to a recent survey by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), 36% of Americans think enhancing their laundry space by placing detergent pods in decorative jars or containers is acceptable, and 12% of Americans have already adopted this dangerous practice in their own homes. It’s important for both workers and consumers to recognize the risk of poisoning that’s connected to removing cleaning products from their original containers and storing products improperly.

Check out the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) website to learn more information on how you can promote National Poison Prevention Week within your facility or business.