[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9407 of March 18, 2016

National Poison Prevention Week, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As the leading cause of accidental injury death in the United States,
poisonings can harm people of all ages and from all walks of life. More
than 90 percent of poisonings occur inside the home, and most are
treatable and preventable. During National Poison Prevention Week, we
work to ensure the safety of our homes and communities by learning of
the dangers of poison and striving to prevent poisonings.
The most common sources of poisoning in young children are items
typically found at home, including cleaning, cosmetic, and personal care
products, as well as over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Although children are more likely to be poisoned, adults--who are most
commonly poisoned by cleaning products, or by the improper use of
sedatives, antidepressants, pain relievers, or prescription drugs--are
far more likely to die from poison exposure.
With diligence and caution, these tragedies can be avoided. Make
sure household products are kept in their original bottles and away
from children, and never mix such products together. Some poison-
ous materials and vapors are harder to identify, including carbon
monoxide--a colorless and odorless, yet very dangerous, gas. Everyone
should have carbon monoxide detectors in their home, use them properly,
and get them tested regularly. Medications should always be
kept out of the reach of children, and whether prescription or over-
the-counter, all drugs should be taken safely and in accordance with
guidance on the label or as prescribed and instructed by healthcare
professionals. To learn more about keeping you and your family safe from
poison, visit www.PoisonHelp.HRSA.gov, and for more information on how
to safely dispose of drugs, including by participat-
ing in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 30, visit
www.DEAdiversion.USDOJ.gov.
We can all play a role in preventing poisoning tragedies from occurring.
Every individual can take steps on their own to make their homes safer
and to learn of appropriate actions to take in the event of a poisoning
incident. If you believe someone has been poisoned, immediately call the
Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. By coming together to secure
potentially-toxic materials in our homes and communities and by
educating our friends and family on methods of prevention, we can help
ensure no person is deprived of a full and healthy life due to
poisoning.
To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers of accidental
poisonings and to take appropriate preventative measures, the Con

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gress, 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.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim March 20 through March 26, 2016, as National
Poison Prevention Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week
by taking actions to protect their families from hazardous household
materials and misuse of prescription medicines.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA