A poison control center is a medical facility that is able to provide immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance over the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous or hazardous substances. Poison control centers answer questions about potential poisons in addition to providing treatment management advice about household products, medicines, pesticides, plants, bites and stings, food poisoning, and fumes. More than 72% of poison exposure cases are managed simply by phone, greatly reducing the need for costly emergency room and doctor visits.
In the United States and many of its territories poison control centers can be reached by calling 1-800-222-1222. Free, private, expert help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and in more than 150 languages.
In Canada consult the Canadian Association of Poison Control Centers
Many other countries also have a poison control center network. The WHO maintains a worldwide directory.
For those currently exposed to a poison in a country that does not have a poison control system, visit a local doctor or hospital.
Read more about Poison Control Center: History
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