Injury and Violence Prevention Branch

Poisoning

A poison is any substance that is harmful to your body when ingested (eaten), inhaled (breathed), injected, or absorbed through the skin. Any substance can be poisonous if enough is taken. Poisonings are often categorized into non-drug and drug poisonings.

Poisonings, both non-drug and drug, are also classified by intent. A poisoning can be unintentional, self-inflicted, assault, or have an undetermined intent. This page focuses on unintentional poisonings. For more information on self-inflicted poisonings, visit our Suicide Prevention Page.

Unintentional poisoning events that occur when an individual knowingly uses a substance are generally referred to as unintentional overdoses. These individuals intentionally took a substance, but their overdose was unintentional. The NCDHHS Overdose Epidemic site offers many resources. Unintentional poisoning events can also occur when individuals do not knowingly use a substance, these are often, though not always, child poisonings. This page focuses on these preventable poisoning events.

Non-Drug

Household chemicals

• Keep all chemicals locked in cabinets or out of reach of children
• Keep all chemicals in original containers
• Never mix products together
• Additional resource: Prevention Tips (Health Resources & Services Administration)

Carbon monoxide

• Install CO alarms on every level of your home
• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris
• Additional resource: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention (U.S. Fire Administration)

Drug

Prescription Medicines

• Store medications safely and out of reach of children. You can store them in a locked cabinet, closet or safe.
• Dispose of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs by following these guidelines
• Participate in North Carolina and National Drug Take Back days

Cannabis Edibles

• Keeping Kids Safe from Cannabis Edibles Infographic (English and Spanish).
• Help educate your partners about the dangers of cannabis edibles using our social media graphics (English and Spanish). You can use these graphics to create your own social media posts to share with your partners.

Additional Resources

• Safe Kids North Carolina
• NC Poison Control
• Carolinas Poison Center