Poison Prevention

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During the Spring of 2001, ACE was involved in research to document and benchmark Minnesotans' knowledge and attitudes concerning accidental poisonings. ACE partnered with PROSAR International Poison Center, the Minnesota Safety Council and the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy as part of the Minnesota Poison Control System. The research is now complete. The data gathered during the study will be used by the state to buttress its public education efforts on poison prevention. A total of 301 heads of household participated in the telephone interviews.

Research findings include:
·  Twenty one percent of respondents rated accidental poisoning as a very significant or somewhat significant concern. This ranked accidental poisoning last on the list of ten major community concerns. Illegal drugs were considered the most significant concern.
·  Thirty five percent of respondents said that inhalant abuse was a very significant or somewhat significant concern.
·  Household cleaning products are thought to be the leading cause of accidental poisonings.
·  Less than a third of the state would first call the Poison Control Center in an emergency.