Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

National Poison Prevention Week

March 14-20, 2010

In March of every year we recognize National Poison Prevention Week. This is a time to raise awareness about the dangers of household poisons, as well as to educate parents and caregivers about poison-prevention techniques. The theme of this year's National Poison Prevention Week, "Locked Out of Reach", focuses on protecting those most vulnerable, as children under five are the most at risk for poisoning.

Unintentional poisoning is a preventable injury, yet every year results in unexpected hospital visits for many children. Parents and caregivers are urged to help keep children safe by keeping chemicals, medications, cleaning supplies, and art supplies not meant for children, safely stored in a locked cabinet or box, out of the reach of children.

The Government of Canada's new environmental health guide--Hazardcheck--provides general advice to Canadians and information on what parents can do to create a healthy environment for their children, including tips on preventing unintentional poisoning. Hazardcheck is available in print and on Health Canada's website.

To learn more, Health Canada also offers educational programs, such as the Stay Safe program, which teaches children to recognize the hazard symbols found on household chemical products in a fun and interactive way. The Stay Safe program promotes these simple and effective messages for children:

• Stop when you see a container that reads, "don't touch"
• Look for a hazard symbol
• Stay safe: go get a grown up

Health Canada works with the Canadian Association of Poison Control Centres and Safe Kids Canada to raise awareness of this important issue.

For more information on the dangers of unintentional poisoning, and for tips on how to further protect the children in your home, I encourage you to also visit the websites for Health Canada,  Safe Kids Canada and the  Canadian Association of Poison Control Centres.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health Canada
Government of Canada