Poison Control Number: It’s Not Just for Parents

Did you know that the Poison Control number for help is not just for parents? Anyone can call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 if they have questions or concerns about a possible poisoning. The Poison Help line is a valuable resource for professionals working in the healthcare field, older adults, assisted living workers, teachers, daycare workers, and many other scenarios. America’s Poison Centers represents 55 poison control centers across the country. We are always available to answer questions and provide advice to ANYONE in order to help treat or prevent poison and toxin-related health emergencies.

Who answers the poison-related questions?

All calls to Poison Help are answered by nationally certified specialists in poison information who are experts in toxicology including nurses, pharmacists, and physicians. With their specialized training and in-depth knowledge of toxic exposures and management strategies, they are uniquely qualified to answer any poison-related questions and exposures of all kinds, including from medications, insects, or chemicals.

When would someone want to call the Poison Control Number?

Poison Help is available 24/7 and is a free confidential resource if you have questions or concerns about a possible poisoning, or general inquiries about a substance. Some examples include:

• If someone has swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or splashed into the eye an unknown or poisonous substance. Examples include:
  • A college student was exposed to carbon monoxide in their dorm.
  • A child who mistook household cleaner for juice.
  • A  restaurant employee feels sick after spilling a cleaning product on their skin.
  • An emergency room doctor asks for advice on treating a teenager who took too much acetaminophen.

• If you are unsure whether a substance is poisonous, such as a household product, plant, or animal. Examples include:
  • An adult was bitten by a pest or snake while gardening.
  • A child who ate an unknown plant or mushroom in the yard.
  • A senior accidentally ingested some of their denture cleanser solution.

• If you have any questions about a product or how to prevent poisoning. Examples include:
  • A daycare owner who is interested in learning how to protect the children from dangerous substances.
  • A parent who wants advice on how to help prevent poisonings and accidents by taking steps to make their home safe for children. 
  • A high school principal who seeks advice on what to teach their students in an upcoming drug abuse prevention assembly.

• If you have a question about how a prescribed medication will affect you, or how it may interact with other medications. Examples include:
  • An adult who accidentally took a double dose of blood pressure medication.
  • A physician who is unsure how over-the-counter  supplements will interact with a new medication they are prescribing to a patient. 
  • Someone who wants to inquire about the side effects of a medication, including the potential for overdose.

What happens when you call Poison Help?

By contacting Poison Help, you gain access to immediate, expert, and confidential advice from poison control specialists who are available 24/7. They are ready to assist and guide you in managing poison exposures, toxic ingestions, or any other related emergencies.

Poisoning can occur in various settings, not just in households with children. Our specialized experts can provide immediate insights into any simple or complex case.

How can you get in touch:

Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222

Text POISON to 301-597-7137

Visit PoisonHelp.org for online assistance and resources