[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 18, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 11637-11638]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-6092]



[[Page 11635]]

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Part II





The President





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Proclamation 8352--National Poison Prevention Week, 2009
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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 51 / Wednesday, March 18, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 11637]]

                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.

[[Page 11638]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-6092
Filed 3-17-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P