This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
As part of National Poison Prevention Week that runs through Saturday, Macey's, Fresh Market, Dick's Market, Dan's and Lin's Market are working with the University of Utah Poison Control Center to help educate parents and their children about poisonous products that can be found in homes.
The stores are offering information booths in their pharmacy areas, and staff is on hand to discuss the dangers of potentially poisonous medicines and chemicals, and to outline preventive steps Utahns can take to ensure their safety and that of their loved ones.
"We really want to help support families in this effort," said Dave Karpowitz, Associated Food Stores' safety director. "It is vital that people arm themselves with basic information on poison prevention in the home, such as keeping chemicals out of the reach of children and carefully reading the labels and dosages on all products."
More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the nation's poison centers. About 90 percent of poisonings happen at home, and 51 percent of poisonings involve children under the age of 6. The majority of fatal poisonings occur among adults, especially older adults, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
To learn more about ways to keep people of all ages safe and help prevent poisonings, visit the Poison Help website at http://www.PoisonHelp.hrsa.gov, or to view materials in Spanish, visit http://www.PoisonHelpEspanol.hrsa.gov.