Poison Prevention Week – Thinking beyond the Obvious

Media Release GNW

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TORONTO, March 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Each year, more people in Canada lose their lives to unintentional poisoning than to transport-related incidents. More than 65,000 poisoning calls come into OPC each year and approximately 60% of these calls come from people’s homes.

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As part of National Poison Prevention Week (March 15 – 21, 2026), the Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) are teaming up to shed light on some of the biggest risks within our homes; often the ones we don’t think of, expect – or even notice. In essence, it’s about encouraging Ontarians to think beyond the obvious. It all begins with taking time to #RethinkPoisons in the home.

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Poisons may often be thought of as toxic substances with skull-and-crossbones labels, but perhaps not in the context of medications, household cleaners or carbon monoxide gas. In fact, these are among some of the most common sources of poisoning in the home.

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The good news is that many of these household poisonings are preventable. Keep in mind that these incidents can happen at any time and at any age.

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OPC
“Poisoning risks in the home are often not what people expect,” says Anna Leah Desembrana, Clinical Director of the Ontario Poison Centre. “While many people think of poisons as clearly labeled toxic substances, some of the most common exposures involve everyday items when not used properly like medications, household cleaners, and carbon monoxide. National Poison Prevention Week is a reminder for Ontarians to pause and #RethinkPoisons. We’re proud to partner with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), a recognized leader in protecting Ontarians through safety and prevention.”

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TSSA
“We value our partnership with the Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) and having an opportunity like Poison Prevention Week which allows us to reinforce that CO, like many other poisons, can exist in your home,” says Owen Kennedy, Director, Fuels Safety Program. “It’s all about getting your fuel-burning appliances inspected through the services of a TSSA-authorized contractor and having certified, working CO alarms in your homes.”

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When in Doubt, Call for Help

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If you suspect poisoning of any kind, don’t wait for symptoms. Call the Ontario Poison Centre at
1-800-268-9017. Available anytime, anywhere, in any language. Fast action can save lives.

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For more information and safety tips on common household poisons see backgrounder that follows.

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About Ontario Poison Centre
The Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) is a telephone toxicology consultation service that provides expert poison advice 24 hours a day to the public, emergency service personnel and health-care professionals across the province. The OPC participates in the ongoing care of the poisoned patient by following the clinical course of hospitalization, assessing the effectiveness of treatment recommendations and providing additional treatment recommendations. Our toxicology experts will collaborate with other health-care professionals to advocate for optimal, current and evidence-based care of the poisoned patient. The OPC is operated and supported by The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto.  www.ontariopoisoncentre.ca