(KUTV) According to statistics, more than a million poisonings involving small children are reported to poison centers each year. The most serious poisonings and related fatalities, however, occur in teens and adults.

This week is National Poison Prevention awareness week. Health experts in Utah say the top three causes of unintentional poisonings include: prescription medications, household chemicals and personal care products. "They don't have child resistant closures on them. So they are easy to access and we tend to leave them out because we are not thinking that shampoo, lotion or perfume could be a poison hazard. but in reality, it is a poison hazard," Marty Malherio says.

Marty Malheiro is the Outreach Education Coordinator for the Utah Poison Control Center. She say about 93% of all poisonings occur inside the home. One reason is because children will often mistake bottles that contain dangerous chemicals for other items. "That floor cleaner looks just like apple juice. Things like that they (children) might not recognize," Malheiro says.

Experts say everyone inside your house should know the number to the Poison Control Center. The number is (800) 222-1222. You can call the number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even if you just have a question, you are encouraged to call.
         
If you want stickers or other materials for your home, you can call (801) 587-0607. You can also visit: www.utahpoisoncontrol.org.

(Copyright 2013 Sinclair Broadcasting Group)
National Poison Prevention Week