LESSON 1: FACTS ABOUT THE U.S. POISON CONTROL SYSTEM
OBJECTIVE:
You will learn the history and role of poison control centers, including specific facts about the Illinois Poison Center.
Section 1: Why Did Poison Centers Get Started?
Preventing Injuries
Poison centers were created as a front-line response to poison exposures and to provide prevention tips in an effort to curb poison-related illness and death.
- Every year, nearly 2.3 million unintentional/accidental poison exposures are reported to U.S. poison centers.
- In Illinois, there are more people hospitalized for poisoning than for injuries from firearms and motor vehicle collisions combined.
- Unintentional poisoning is the second leading cause of injury death for all ages. Among people 25 to 64 years old, unintentional poisoning caused more deaths than motor vehicle collisions. (CDC).
- 9 out of 10 poisoning deaths are caused by drugs/medications.
The Illinois Poison Center helps the public and health care system save an estimated $60 million in unnecessary and costly medical expenses such as emergency department visits and ambulance transports.