National Poison Prevention Week
Published: March 20, 2024
The third full week in March is dedicated to raising awareness, highlighting the dangers of poisonings, and promoting involvement in prevention
On September 26, 1961, a Joint Resolution (75 Stat. 681) was passed by Congress authorizing the President of the United States to issue annually a proclamation designating the third week in March as National Poison Prevention Week, and on February 7, 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed (76 Stat. 1448) this annual observation. The Poison Prevention Week Council was then organized in early 1962 to coordinate and oversee this annual event.
Related Legislation and Regulations
- National Poison Prevention Week, 36 U.S.C. 130
- Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act Amendments of 2003, 117 Stat. 2888, An act to provide assistance for poison prevention and to stabilize the funding of regional poison control centers
- Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 Regulations, 16 CFR E
- Maintenance of the national toll-free number, 42 U.S.C. 300d-71
- Nationwide media campaign to promote poison control center utilization, 42 U.S.C. 300d-72
- Maintenance of the poison control center grant program, 42 U.S.C. 300d-73
- Poison Center Network Act*
- Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970*
- Search hearings on GovInfo
*Asterisks indicate links to a Statute Compilation. This is a compilation of the public law, as amended, is an unofficial document and should not be cited as legal evidence of the law. Learn more.
Additional Article Sources and Resources
- Read the "Health Resources & Services Administration's "Poison Prevention Tips" for steps to help prevent a poisoning from happening at home, and their “Guide to what you Can Do” in the event of a poisoning.
- "Poison-proof Your Home: One Room at a Time" with the Environmental Protection Agency's Pesticide Poison Prevention Checklist.
- Take a look at the Center's for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website to find out steps you can take to help prevent food poisoning.
- Check out the CDC's blog "After the Storm: 3 Types of Post-Disaster Poisonings to Know, Prepare For," to read about three post-disaster poisonings and ways to prepare your health for each.
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