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Poison Prevention Awareness Month

An awareness observance in March educating the public on poisoning risks from household products and medicines to help prevent accidental poisonings in children.

Monday
1–31
March 2027
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
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YEARLY DATEAll of March
OBSERVED INUnited States
CATEGORYAwareness
SUBCATEGORYPublic Health
ORIGIN

Legislative Resolution

FOUNDING ENTITY
U.S. Congress
FIRST OBSERVED
1961
HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The U.S. Congress created National Poison Prevention Week in 1961, first observed in the third week of March 1962, to promote poisoning prevention education.

INTRO

Introduction

Get ready to spread awareness and take action during Poison Prevention Awareness Month this March 1! This important month-long campaign was first launched in 1961 by the National Poison Prevention Week Council to educate people about the dangers of unintentional poisoning and how to prevent it. It's a time for families, schools, and communities to come together and learn about ways to keep themselves safe from accidental poisonings. By working together, we can create a safer environment for everyone. So join in on the fun and let's make sure our loved ones stay healthy and happy!

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TIMELINE

Poison Prevention Awareness Month Timeline

Launch of Poison Prevention Week

The National Poison Prevention Week Council launched the first Poison Prevention Week to raise awareness about accidental poisonings.

Government Involvement

The U.S. government became more involved in poison prevention, leading to stricter regulations on product packaging and labeling.

First Poison Control Center

The first Poison Control Center was established, providing a vital resource for immediate access to poisoning information and treatment advice.

Nationwide Hotline

The launch of a nationwide poison control hotline provided 24/7 assistance for poisoning emergencies.

Expansion to Poison Prevention Month

The observance expanded from a week to a month-long campaign, widening its reach and increasing awareness of poison prevention strategies.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Poison Prevention Awareness Month

EDITOR'S PICK

Educate yourself and your loved ones

Take the time to learn about common poisons and how to prevent accidental ingestion. Share this information with your family, friends, and community to raise awareness.

CHECK

Check your home for potential hazards

Take a walk around your home and check for any potential poisons that may be within reach of children or pets. Store them in a safe place or dispose of them properly.

CREATE

Create a poison prevention plan

Make a plan with your family on what to do in case of accidental poisoning. This can include having emergency numbers on hand, knowing the signs of poisoning, and having a first aid kit ready.

ATTEND

Attend a local event

Many communities host events during Poison Prevention Awareness Month to educate and promote safety. Attend one of these events to learn more and show your support for the cause.

SPREAD

Spread the word on social media

Use your social media platforms to share information and tips on poison prevention. This can help reach a larger audience and raise awareness about the issue.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Poison Prevention Awareness Month is Important

It saves lives

Accidental poisonings can happen to anyone, regardless of age or background. By raising awareness about this issue and promoting preventive measures, Poison Prevention Awareness Month ultimately helps save lives and reduce the number of poison-related accidents each year.

It helps raise awareness about common household hazards

During Poison Prevention Awareness Month, different organizations and health agencies promote safety measures to prevent accidental poisonings. This includes identifying and properly storing potentially harmful substances that can be found at home, such as cleaning products, medications, and even plants.

It educates people on how to respond in emergency situations

Poison Prevention Awareness Month also focuses on teaching individuals about proper first aid techniques in case of accidental poisoning. Knowing what to do in an emergency situation can greatly increase the chances of a positive outcome.

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