CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, the West Virginia Poison Center is launching its statewide awareness campaign, “Little Hands, Big Curiosities,” to help West Virginia families protect children from poison exposures.
Young children are naturally curious and often explore by touching and tasting — behaviors that can increase the risk of accidental poisoning from medications, household cleaners, personal care products, and other everyday items found in homes across West Virginia.
Poison exposures remain a significant public health concern nationwide. U.S. Poison Centers manage millions of exposure cases each year, with more than half involving children and teens, and most incidents occurring in the home.
In West Virginia, poison prevention is especially important for families and caregivers. Historically, state data shows that children accounted for about 60% of poison exposure cases, with nearly half involving children under age six — the age group most vulnerable to unintentional exposures.
During Poison Prevention Week, the West Virginia Poison Center encourages families, schools, and childcare providers to focus on key safety steps:
- Keep medicines, cleaning products, and chemicals locked up and out of sight
- Always store products in their original labeled containers
- Avoid transferring chemicals into drink bottles or unlabeled cups
- Safely dispose of unused or expired medications
- Teach children to ask an adult before touching or tasting unknown items
As part of the “Little Hands, Big Curiosities” campaign, the poison center will provide community outreach events and social media resources designed specifically for West Virginia families and childcare settings.
If a poisoning occurs or there is a question about a potential exposure, trained medical experts are available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. Calls are free, confidential, and available to all West Virginians.
About the West Virginia Poison Center:
The West Virginia Poison Center provides comprehensive emergency poison information, prevention and educational resources to West Virginians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The WVPC is staffed by nurses, pharmacists and physicians with special training in the treatment of poisonings. Located in Charleston, WV, the WVPC is a part of the West Virginia University-Charleston Division. Toll-free:1-800-222-1222. Website: www.wvpoisoncenter.org.
