[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8352--MAR. 13, 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 cen-

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ters 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.
BARACK OBAMA