EPA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services Administration, Consumer Products Safety Commission, Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the American Association of Poison Control Centers are urging parents and caregivers to be vigilant and take steps now to prevent unnecessary exposures and poisonings throughout the year.

"Poison Prevention Week serves as a reminder for everyone to keep poisonous products in a safe place, away from children and pets. Always read and follow all labels to minimize the potential danger of exposure," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator for EPA's New England office. "Poison exposure that takes place in the home can be prevented by storing pesticides and other household products properly."

In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, EPA urges parents and caregivers to secure chemicals and pesticides in locked cabinets out of children's reach. According to recently published poison-center data, annually more than 150,000 calls to poison centers involved pesticides and disinfectants. Greater than half of pesticide exposures involved children five years or younger. Additionally, the top five most-common exposures to children include cosmetics and personal care products, pain medication, cleaning products, foreign objects, and creams.

The development of child-resistant packaging on medicines and household chemicals and the banning of lead-based paint have had a significant impact in preventing poisonings and making homes safer. In addition, new EPA packaging requirements ensure that children and pets cannot access certain pesticides. For example, manufacturers of rodenticides now must enclose the products in plastic bait stations so that only the target pests are affected.

Even though progress has been made there is need for increased awareness about existing hazards posed from pest control products, prescription medicine abuse and household chemicals.

The best defense is preparation. Here's what people can do to reduce exposure to poisons:

 Post the Poison Control Centers' national helpline number, 1-800-222-1222, near your phone. Program the number into your phone's "address book" or redial feature.  Read the product label first and follow the directions to the letter.  Use the safest possible cleaning products. Look for the Design for the Environment (DfE) label on products.  Never leave products unattended when you are using them.  Re-close products if interrupted during application (e.g., phone call, doorbell, etc.).  Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container tightly after use.  Never transfer pesticides to other containers; children may associate certain containers with food or drink.  Remove children, pets, and toys before applying pesticides (inside or outside the home). Follow label directions to determine when children and pets can re-enter the area that has been treated.  Never use illegal pesticides (such as Tres Pasitos or unregistered Insecticidal Chalk,). These products have not been reviewed by EPA and their use may pose a danger to public health. Always look for an EPA Registration ID number on the label. (Example: EPA Reg. No. 500-123456)

More information about poisoning prevention in your home: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/poisonprevention.htm