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==Overview==
==Overview==
A '''poison control center''' ('''PCC''') or '''poison information center''' ('''PIC''') 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 [[poison]]ous, or hazardous substances. Poison Control Centers answer questions about potential poisons in addition to providing treatment management advice about personal care products, household products, [[medicines]], [[pesticides]], plants, bites and [[Stinger (organ)|stings]], [[food poisoning]], [[alcohol]], [[gases]], and [[Vapor|fumes]]. More than 75%<ref name="Goldfrank">{{cite book | editor = Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, Howland MA, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS | title = Goldfrank’s toxicologic emergencies | year = 2002 | publisher = McGraw-Hill | id = ISBN 0-07-136001-8}}</ref> of poison exposure cases are managed simply by phone, greatly reducing the need for costly emergency room and doctor visits.<ref name="Miller-1997">{{cite journal | author = Miller T, Lestina D | title = Costs of poisoning in the United States and savings from poison control centers: a benefit-cost analysis. | journal = Ann Emerg Med | volume = 29 | issue = 2 | pages = 239-45 | year = 1997 | id = PMID 9018189}}</ref> In most countries around the world poison control centers can be reached toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
A '''poison control center''' ('''PCC''') or '''poison information center''' ('''PIC''') 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 [[poison]]ous, or hazardous substances. Poison Control Centers answer questions about potential poisons in addition to providing treatment management advice about personal care products, household products, medicines, [[pesticides]], plants, bites and stings, [[food poisoning]], [[alcohol]], [[gases]], and [[Vapor|fumes]]. More than 75%<ref name="Goldfrank">{{cite book | editor = Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, Howland MA, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS | title = Goldfrank’s toxicologic emergencies | year = 2002 | publisher = McGraw-Hill | id = ISBN 0-07-136001-8}}</ref> of poison exposure cases are managed simply by phone, greatly reducing the need for costly emergency room and doctor visits.<ref name="Miller-1997">{{cite journal | author = Miller T, Lestina D | title = Costs of poisoning in the United States and savings from poison control centers: a benefit-cost analysis. | journal = Ann Emerg Med | volume = 29 | issue = 2 | pages = 239-45 | year = 1997 | id = PMID 9018189}}</ref> In most countries around the world poison control centers can be reached toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.


==History==
==History==
After World War II there was a proliferation of new [[drug]]s and [[chemicals]] in the marketplace, similarly suicide and childhood [[poison]]ings from these agents drastically increased (around this time up to half of all accidents in children were poisonings with a substantial number of fatalities).<ref>{{cite journal | author = Grayson R | title = The poison control movement in the United States | journal = Ind Med Surg | volume = 31 | issue = | pages = 296-7 | year = 1962 | id = PMID 13901334}}</ref> These factors led to the medical community developing a response to both unintentional and intentional poisonings. In [[Europe]] in the late 1940s special toxicology wards were set up, initial wards were started in [[Copenhagen]] and [[Budapest]], and the [[Netherlands]] began a poison information service.<ref name="Pediatr Clin North Am1970-Govaerts">{{cite journal | author = Govaerts M | title = Poison control in Europe | journal = Pediatr Clin North Am | volume = 17 | issue = 3 | pages = 729-39 | year = 1970 | id = PMID 5491436}}</ref> In the [[USA]] the first poison information center was started in [[Chicago]] in [[1953]].<ref>{{cite journal | author = Press E, Mellins R | title = A poisoning control program | journal = Am J Public Health | volume = 44 | issue = 12 | pages = 1515-25 | year = 1954|id = PMID 13207477}}</ref> By [[1957]] there were 17 poison control centers in the US, with the Chicago center serving as a model; these centers dealt mainly with physician enquiries by giving ingredient and toxicity information about products, along with treatment recommendations. Over time the poison control centers started taking calls form the general public. The majority of poison centers were not part of a patient treatment facility; they strictly provided information.
After World War II there was a proliferation of new [[drug]]s and [[chemicals]] in the marketplace, similarly suicide and childhood [[poison]]ings from these agents drastically increased (around this time up to half of all accidents in children were poisonings with a substantial number of fatalities).<ref>{{cite journal | author = Grayson R | title = The poison control movement in the United States | journal = Ind Med Surg | volume = 31 | issue = | pages = 296-7 | year = 1962 | id = PMID 13901334}}</ref> These factors led to the medical community developing a response to both unintentional and intentional poisonings. In Europe in the late 1940s special toxicology wards were set up, initial wards were started in Copenhagen and Budapest, and the Netherlands began a poison information service.<ref name="Pediatr Clin North Am1970-Govaerts">{{cite journal | author = Govaerts M | title = Poison control in Europe | journal = Pediatr Clin North Am | volume = 17 | issue = 3 | pages = 729-39 | year = 1970 | id = PMID 5491436}}</ref> In the USA the first poison information center was started in Chicago in 1953.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Press E, Mellins R | title = A poisoning control program | journal = Am J Public Health | volume = 44 | issue = 12 | pages = 1515-25 | year = 1954|id = PMID 13207477}}</ref> By 1957 there were 17 poison control centers in the US, with the Chicago center serving as a model; these centers dealt mainly with physician enquiries by giving ingredient and toxicity information about products, along with treatment recommendations. Over time the poison control centers started taking calls form the general public. The majority of poison centers were not part of a patient treatment facility; they strictly provided information.


In 1958 the [[American Association of Poison Control Centers]] (AAPCC) was founded to promote cooperation between the different cities poison centers and to standardize the operation of these centers. An additional part of the AAPCC activities was poison prevention and education programs for both physicians and the general public. In 1968 the American Academy of Clinical Toxicologists (AACT) was established by a group of medical doctors. The AACT’s main objective was to apply principles of toxicology to patient treatment and improve the standard of care on a national basis. In the 1960s and 1970s a rapid proliferation of poison centers emerged and by 1978 there were 661 centers in the USA. This trend reversed during the 1980s and 1990s with a number of centers closing or merging. In 2000 there was 51 certified centers in the USA.<ref name="Clinical toxicology2001-ford">{{cite book | editor = Ford MD, Delaney KA, Ling LJ, Erickson T. | title = Clinical toxicology | year = 2001 | publisher = WB Saunders Company | id = ISBN 0-7216-5485-1}}</ref>
In 1958 the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) was founded to promote cooperation between the different cities poison centers and to standardize the operation of these centers. An additional part of the AAPCC activities was poison prevention and education programs for both physicians and the general public. In 1968 the American Academy of Clinical Toxicologists (AACT) was established by a group of medical doctors. The AACT’s main objective was to apply principles of toxicology to patient treatment and improve the standard of care on a national basis. In the 1960s and 1970s a rapid proliferation of poison centers emerged and by 1978 there were 661 centers in the USA. This trend reversed during the 1980s and 1990s with a number of centers closing or merging. In 2000 there was 51 certified centers in the USA.<ref name="Clinical toxicology2001-ford">{{cite book | editor = Ford MD, Delaney KA, Ling LJ, Erickson T. | title = Clinical toxicology | year = 2001 | publisher = WB Saunders Company | id = ISBN 0-7216-5485-1}}</ref>


A similar movement evolved in Europe but unlike the American movement the majority were centralized toxicology treatment centers with integrated poison information centers. The [[France|French]] developed an inpatient unit for the treatment of poisoned patients in the late 1950s. In [[England]] the National Poison Information Service was developed at [[Guy's Hospital]] under Dr Roy Goulding.<ref name="Pediatr Clin North Am1970-Govaerts"/>  At around the same time Dr Henry Mathew started a poison treatment center in [[Edinburgh]].<ref>{{cite journal | author = Proudfoot A | title = Clinical toxicology&mdash;past, present and future | journal = Hum Toxicol | volume = 7 | issue = 5 | pages = 481-7 | year = 1988|id = PMID 3056845}}</ref> In 1964 the European Association for Poison Control Centers was formed at [[Tours]], [[France]].<ref name="Pediatr Clin North Am1970-Govaerts"/> [[Australasian]] centers were also estabilshed in the 1960s.
A similar movement evolved in Europe but unlike the American movement the majority were centralized toxicology treatment centers with integrated poison information centers. The French developed an inpatient unit for the treatment of poisoned patients in the late 1950s. In England the National Poison Information Service was developed at [[Guy's Hospital]] under Dr Roy Goulding.<ref name="Pediatr Clin North Am1970-Govaerts"/>  At around the same time Dr Henry Mathew started a poison treatment center in Edinburgh.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Proudfoot A | title = Clinical toxicology&mdash;past, present and future | journal = Hum Toxicol | volume = 7 | issue = 5 | pages = 481-7 | year = 1988|id = PMID 3056845}}</ref> In 1964 the European Association for Poison Control Centers was formed at Tours, France.<ref name="Pediatr Clin North Am1970-Govaerts"/> Australasian centers were also estabilshed in the 1960s.


==Today==
==Today==
===USA===
===USA===
The [[American Association of Poison Control Centers]] manages the 24-hour hotline, which is continuously staffed by pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and poison information specialists who have received dedicated training in the field of toxicology. It has a [[Telecommunications device for the deaf|TTY/TDD]] number for the hearing impaired. Poison educators across the country also offer poison prevention training and education sessions to community institutions, along with educational materials. The national phone number is 1-800-222-1222, which routes calls to a local facility.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers manages the 24-hour hotline, which is continuously staffed by pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and poison information specialists who have received dedicated training in the field of toxicology. It has a [[Telecommunications device for the deaf|TTY/TDD]] number for the hearing impaired. Poison educators across the country also offer poison prevention training and education sessions to community institutions, along with educational materials. The national phone number is 1-800-222-1222, which routes calls to a local facility.


===Rest of the world===
===Rest of the world===
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==Local Poison Control Centers==
==Local Poison Control Centers==
[http://www.apcc.aspca.org| Animal Poison Control Center]
[http://www.apcc.aspca.org| Animal Poison Control Center]


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[http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/centers/apdic/apdic.shtml| Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center]
[http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/centers/apdic/apdic.shtml| Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center]


http://www.bannerhealth.com/">Banner
[http://www.bannerhealth.com Banner Health Poison Center]
            Health Poison Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
 
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica">            </font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.med.virginia.edu/brpc/"><font size="2">Blue
[http://www.med.virginia.edu/brpc/ Blue Ridge Poison Center]
      Ridge Poison Center</font></a></strong></font></p>
 
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.calpoison.org">California Poison
[http://www.calpoison.org California Poison Control System]
      Control System</a></font></strong></font></p>
 
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica">            </font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2"><a href="http://www.carolinas.org/services/poison/"><strong>Carolinas
[http://www.carolinas.org/services/poison/ Carolinas Poison Center]
      Poison Center</strong></a></font></font></p>
 
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica">            </font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2"><strong><a href="http://www.cnypoison.org/">Central New
[http://www.cnypoison.org/ Central New York Poison Center]
      York Poison Center</a></strong></font></font></p>
 
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica">            </font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2"><strong><a href="http://www.bepoisonsmart.com">Central Ohio
[http://www.bepoisonsmart.com Central Ohio Poison Center]
      Poison Center</a></strong></font></font></p>
 
[http://www.poisoncontrol.org Central Texas Poison Center]
 
[http://www.mitoxic.org Children's Hospital of Michigan Poison Control Center]
 
[http://www.chw.org/display/PPF/DocID/629/router.asp Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Poison Control Center]
 
[http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/dpic/ Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center]
 
[http://poisoncontrol.uchc.edu Connecticut Poison Control Center]
 
[http://www.spectrum-health.org DeVos Children's Hospital Regional Poison Center]
 
[http://www.stronghealth.com/services/poison Finger Lakes Regional Poison Center]
 
[http://www.fpicn.org Florida Poison Information Center - Jacksonville]
 
[http://www.fpicn.org Florida Poison Information Center - Miami]
 
[http://www.poisoncentertampa.org Florida Poison Information Center - Tampa ]
 
[http://www.georgiapoisoncenter.org Georgia Poison Center]
 
[http://www.mnpoison.org Hennepin Regional Poison Center]
 
[http://www.PoisonEducation.org Hudson Valley Poison Education Center]
 
[http://www.mchc.org/ipc Illinois Poison Center]
 
[http://www.clarian.org/clinical/poisoncontrol Indiana Poison Center]
 
[http://www.iowapoison.org Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center]
 
[http://www.krpc.com/ Kentucky Regional Poison Center]
 
[http://www.lapcc.org Louisiana Drug and Poison Information Center]
 
[http://www.lirpdic.org Long Island Regional Poison and Drug Information Center]
 
[http://www.mdpoison.com Maryland Poison Center]
 
[http://www.poison.org National Capital Poison Center]
 
[http://www.otago.ac.nz/prevmed/npc.html National Poisons Centre]
 
[http://www.nebraskapoison.com Nebraska Regional Poison Center]
 
[http://njpies.org New Jersey Poison Information and Education System]
 
[http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/poison/ New Mexico Poison Drug Information Center]
 
[http://www.poisoncontrol.org North Texas Poison Center ]
 
[http://www.oklahomapoison.org Oklahoma Poison Control Center]
 
[http://www.sickkids.on.ca Ontario Regional Poison Control Center]
 
[http://www.oregonpoison.org Oregon Poison Center]
 
[http://www.pharm.sc.edu/pps/pps.htm Palmetto Poison Center]
 
[http://www.chp.edu/clinical/03a_poison.php Pittsburgh Poison Center]
 
[http://www.maripoisoncenter.com Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island]
 
[http://www.poisoncenter.net San Jorge Children's Hospital Poison Center]
 
[http://www.poisonlifeline.org Tennessee Poison Center]
 
[http://www.nebraskapoison.com Nebraska Poison Control Center]
 
[http://poisoncontrol.chop.edu/ The Poison Control Center - Philadelphia ]


<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica">            <strong></strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.poisoncontrol.org">Central
[http://www.prosarcorp.com PROSAR International Poison Control Center]
      Texas Poison Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.mitoxic.org">Children's
            Hospital of Michigan Poison Control Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">
<a href="http://www.chw.org/display/PPF/DocID/629/router.asp">Children's
      Hospital of Wisconsin Poison Control Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/dpic/">Cincinnati
      Drug and Poison Information Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://poisoncontrol.uchc.edu">Connecticut
            Poison Control Center</a></font></strong></font></p>


<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.spectrum-health.org">DeVos Children's
[http://www.chsys.org Regional Poison Control Center - Birmingham]
      Hospital Regional Poison Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.stronghealth.com/services/poison"><font size="2">Finger
            Lakes
      Regional Poison Center</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.fpicn.org"><font size="2">Florida
      Poison Information Center - Jacksonville</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.fpicn.org"><font size="2">Florida Poison Information Center - Miami</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.poisoncentertampa.org">Florida Poison Information Center - Tampa</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.georgiapoisoncenter.org"><font size="2">Georgia Poison
      Center</font></a></strong></font></p>


<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.mnpoison.org"><font size="2">Hennepin Regional Poison
[http://www.RMPDC.org Rocky Mountain Poison Drug Center]
      Center</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.PoisonEducation.org"><font size="2">Hudson Valley Poison
      Education Center</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.mchc.org/ipc"><font size="2">Illinois Poison Center</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.clarian.org/clinical/poisoncontrol"><font size="2">Indiana
      Poison Center</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.iowapoison.org">Iowa Statewide Poison
      Control Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.krpc.com/"><font size="2">Kentucky Regional Poison
      Center</font></a></strong></font></p>


<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.lapcc.org"><font size="2">Louisiana Drug and Poison
[http://www.uthscsa.edu/surgery/poisoncenter South Texas Poison Center ]
      Information Center</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.lirpdic.org">Long Island Regional
      Poison and Drug Information Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.mdpoison.com">Maryland
      Poison Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.poison.org"><font size="2">National Capital Poison
      Center</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.otago.ac.nz/prevmed/npc.html">National
            Poisons Centre</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong> </strong></font><p align="left"><span lang="en-us"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">


<a href="http://www.nebraskapoison.com">Nebraska Regional Poison
[http://www.utmb.edu/setpc Southeast Texas Poison Center ]
Center</a></font></strong></font></span></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://njpies.org"><font size="2">New Jersey Poison Information
      and Education System</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://hsc.unm.edu/pharmacy/poison/">New Mexico Poison
      &amp; Drug Information Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.poisoncontrol.org"><font size="2">North Texas Poison
      Center</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.oklahomapoison.org">Oklahoma Poison
      Control Center</a></font></strong></font></p>


<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.sickkids.on.ca">Ontario Regional Poison
[http://www.poisoncontrol.org Texas Poison Center Network ]
      Control Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.oregonpoison.org">Oregon Poison Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.pharm.sc.edu/pps/pps.htm"><font size="2">Palmetto Poison
      Center</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.chp.edu/clinical/03a_poison.php"><font size="2">Pittsburgh
      Poison Center</font></a></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.maripoisoncenter.com">Regional Center
      for Poison Control and Prevention Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong>            </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.poisoncenter.net">San Jorge Children's
      Hospital Poison Center</a></font></strong></font></p>


<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong> </strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><a href="http://www.poisonlifeline.org">
[http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/epidemiology Texas Department of Health]
<font size="2">Tennessee Poison Center</font></a><a href="http://www.nebraskapoison.com"><span lang="en-us"><font size="2">
</font></span></a><font size="2">
&nbsp;</font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">            </font></strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://poisoncontrol.chop.edu/">The Poison Control Center -
      Philadelphia</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">            </font></strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.prosarcorp.com">PROSAR International Poison Control
      Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">            </font></strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.chsys.org">Regional Poison Control
      Center - Birmingham</a></font></strong></font></p>


<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">            </font></strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.RMPDC.org">Rocky Mountain Poison &amp; Drug Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
[http://www.panhandlepoison.org Texas Panhandle Poison Center]
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">            </font></strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.uthscsa.edu/surgery/poisoncenter">South Texas Poison
      Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">            </font></strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.utmb.edu/setpc">Southeast Texas Poison Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">            </font></strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.poisoncontrol.org">Texas Poison
            Center Network</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">            </font></strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/epidemiology">Texas Department of
      Health</a> </font></strong></font></p>


<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">            </font></strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.panhandlepoison.org">Texas Panhandle Poison Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
[http://www.uwhospital.org/shells/level2/s-poison.htm University of Wisconsin Hospital Clinics Poison Control Center]
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2">            </font></strong></font><p align="left"><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://www.uwhospital.org/shells/level2/s-poison.htm">University
      of Wisconsin Hospital &amp; Clinics Poison Control Center</a></font></strong></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica">            <font size="2"></font></font><p><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2"><a href="http://www.vcu.edu/mcved/"><strong>Virginia Poison Center</strong></a></font></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2"> </font></font><p><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2"><font color="#660066"><strong><span lang="en-us">
<a href="http://www.wapc.org">Washington Poison Center</a></span></strong></font></font></font></p>
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2">            </font></font><p><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2"><strong><a href="http://www.poisoncenter.org">West Texas Regional Poison Center</a></strong></font></font></p>


<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2">            </font></font><p><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2"><a href="http://www.wvpoisoncenter.org"><strong>West Virginia Poison Center</strong></a></font></font></p>
[http://www.vcu.edu/mcved/ Virginia Poison Center ]
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2">            </font></font><p><font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2"><a href="http://www.chob.edu/poison"><strong>Western New York Poison
 
      Center</strong></a></font></font></p>
[http://www.wapc.org Washington Poison Center]
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2">            </font></font></blockquote>
 
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2">            &nbsp; </font></font><p>
[http://www.poisoncenter.org West Texas Regional Poison Center]
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2">            <!--webbot bot="HitCounter" u-custom i-digits="5" i-image="0"
 
    PREVIEW="&lt;strong&gt;[Hit Counter]&lt;/strong&gt;" i-resetvalue="0" startspan --><img src="_vti_bin/fpcount.exe///Megaweb/aapccweb/?Page=links.htm%7CImage=0%7CDigits=5" alt="Hit Counter"><!--webbot bot="HitCounter" i-checksum="32418" endspan --> </font></font></p>
[http://www.wvpoisoncenter.org West Virginia Poison Center]
<font face="arial, Arial, Helvetica"><font size="2">          </font>
     
         
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== Footnotes ==
[http://www.chob.edu/poison Western New York Poison Center ]
<div class="references-small">
<references />
</div>


==See also==
==References==
*[[Mr. Yuk]]
{{Reflist|2}}


==External links==
==External links==
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*[http://www.who.int/ipcs/poisons/centre/directory/en/ World directory of poisons centers]
*[http://www.who.int/ipcs/poisons/centre/directory/en/ World directory of poisons centers]
*[http://www.toxbase.org/ UK National poisons information service (Toxbase)]
*[http://www.toxbase.org/ UK National poisons information service (Toxbase)]
[[Category:First aid]]
[[Category:First aid]]
[[Category:Emergency medicine]]
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Latest revision as of 23:05, 6 February 2009

Editor-In-Chief: Scott Everett, M.D., Pharm. D. Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston Salem, NC Email Dr. Everett by clicking here

Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.

Overview

A poison control center (PCC) or poison information center (PIC) 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 personal care products, household products, medicines, pesticides, plants, bites and stings, food poisoning, alcohol, gases, and fumes. More than 75%[1] of poison exposure cases are managed simply by phone, greatly reducing the need for costly emergency room and doctor visits.[2] In most countries around the world poison control centers can be reached toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

History

After World War II there was a proliferation of new drugs and chemicals in the marketplace, similarly suicide and childhood poisonings from these agents drastically increased (around this time up to half of all accidents in children were poisonings with a substantial number of fatalities).[3] These factors led to the medical community developing a response to both unintentional and intentional poisonings. In Europe in the late 1940s special toxicology wards were set up, initial wards were started in Copenhagen and Budapest, and the Netherlands began a poison information service.[4] In the USA the first poison information center was started in Chicago in 1953.[5] By 1957 there were 17 poison control centers in the US, with the Chicago center serving as a model; these centers dealt mainly with physician enquiries by giving ingredient and toxicity information about products, along with treatment recommendations. Over time the poison control centers started taking calls form the general public. The majority of poison centers were not part of a patient treatment facility; they strictly provided information.

In 1958 the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) was founded to promote cooperation between the different cities poison centers and to standardize the operation of these centers. An additional part of the AAPCC activities was poison prevention and education programs for both physicians and the general public. In 1968 the American Academy of Clinical Toxicologists (AACT) was established by a group of medical doctors. The AACT’s main objective was to apply principles of toxicology to patient treatment and improve the standard of care on a national basis. In the 1960s and 1970s a rapid proliferation of poison centers emerged and by 1978 there were 661 centers in the USA. This trend reversed during the 1980s and 1990s with a number of centers closing or merging. In 2000 there was 51 certified centers in the USA.[6]

A similar movement evolved in Europe but unlike the American movement the majority were centralized toxicology treatment centers with integrated poison information centers. The French developed an inpatient unit for the treatment of poisoned patients in the late 1950s. In England the National Poison Information Service was developed at Guy's Hospital under Dr Roy Goulding.[4] At around the same time Dr Henry Mathew started a poison treatment center in Edinburgh.[7] In 1964 the European Association for Poison Control Centers was formed at Tours, France.[4] Australasian centers were also estabilshed in the 1960s.

Today

USA

The American Association of Poison Control Centers manages the 24-hour hotline, which is continuously staffed by pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and poison information specialists who have received dedicated training in the field of toxicology. It has a TTY/TDD number for the hearing impaired. Poison educators across the country also offer poison prevention training and education sessions to community institutions, along with educational materials. The national phone number is 1-800-222-1222, which routes calls to a local facility.

Rest of the world

Most countries have a poison control center with staffing similar to the American centers. A worldwide directory of poison centers is available from the World Health Organization's website

Local Poison Control Centers

Animal Poison Control Center

Alabama Poison Center

Alaska Poison Control System

Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center

Banner Health Poison Center

Blue Ridge Poison Center

California Poison Control System

Carolinas Poison Center

Central New York Poison Center

Central Ohio Poison Center

Central Texas Poison Center

Children's Hospital of Michigan Poison Control Center

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Poison Control Center

Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center

Connecticut Poison Control Center

DeVos Children's Hospital Regional Poison Center

Finger Lakes Regional Poison Center

Florida Poison Information Center - Jacksonville

Florida Poison Information Center - Miami

Florida Poison Information Center - Tampa

Georgia Poison Center

Hennepin Regional Poison Center

Hudson Valley Poison Education Center

Illinois Poison Center

Indiana Poison Center

Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center

Kentucky Regional Poison Center

Louisiana Drug and Poison Information Center

Long Island Regional Poison and Drug Information Center

Maryland Poison Center

National Capital Poison Center

National Poisons Centre

Nebraska Regional Poison Center

New Jersey Poison Information and Education System

New Mexico Poison Drug Information Center

North Texas Poison Center

Oklahoma Poison Control Center

Ontario Regional Poison Control Center

Oregon Poison Center

Palmetto Poison Center

Pittsburgh Poison Center

Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island

San Jorge Children's Hospital Poison Center

Tennessee Poison Center

Nebraska Poison Control Center

The Poison Control Center - Philadelphia

PROSAR International Poison Control Center

Regional Poison Control Center - Birmingham

Rocky Mountain Poison Drug Center

South Texas Poison Center

Southeast Texas Poison Center

Texas Poison Center Network

Texas Department of Health

Texas Panhandle Poison Center

University of Wisconsin Hospital Clinics Poison Control Center

Virginia Poison Center

Washington Poison Center

West Texas Regional Poison Center

West Virginia Poison Center

Western New York Poison Center

References

  1. Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, Howland MA, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS, ed. (2002). Goldfrank’s toxicologic emergencies. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-136001-8.
  2. Miller T, Lestina D (1997). "Costs of poisoning in the United States and savings from poison control centers: a benefit-cost analysis". Ann Emerg Med. 29 (2): 239–45. PMID 9018189.
  3. Grayson R (1962). "The poison control movement in the United States". Ind Med Surg. 31: 296–7. PMID 13901334.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Govaerts M (1970). "Poison control in Europe". Pediatr Clin North Am. 17 (3): 729–39. PMID 5491436.
  5. Press E, Mellins R (1954). "A poisoning control program". Am J Public Health. 44 (12): 1515–25. PMID 13207477.
  6. Ford MD, Delaney KA, Ling LJ, Erickson T., ed. (2001). Clinical toxicology. WB Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-5485-1.
  7. Proudfoot A (1988). "Clinical toxicology—past, present and future". Hum Toxicol. 7 (5): 481–7. PMID 3056845.

External links


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