Poisoning

Key Points

  • Store all poisons including medications, cannabis, disinfectants, detergents, hand sanitizers, cleaners, personal care products, pesticides, tobacco and alcohol locked up tight, out of sight and out of reach of children.
  • Keep all poisons in their original containers.
  • Read and follow labels - even small amounts of these substances can poison.
  • Safely dispose of unused or expired medications and chemicals.
  • If you are concerned that someone has been poisoned, call 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) to reach Alberta’s poison centre, PADIS.

Why Poisoning Injuries Matter.

Poisoning is a serious risk in homes across Alberta - and it's often preventable. In 2022, over 16,500 Albertans went to the emergency department due to poisoning.1 Most of these cases involved over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and recreational drugs.

Young children are especially at risk due to their small body size. Children also explore their world by touching and tasting what they find. They can be poisoned just by swallowing, inhaling, or touching small amounts of poisons such as medicines, cleaning products, or cannabis edibles. Seniors are also vulnerable, especially when managing multiple medications.

Poisoning can lead to long-term health problems and, in the worst cases, death. It can happen quickly and silently, without warning signs. That's why safe storage, clear labeling, and smart use of all medicines and other household products is important.

Over 60% of medication poisonings in children happen at home. Many of these involve products parents use every day — pain relievers, cold medicine, or vitamins.2

Poisonings: By the Numbers

16,500+

EMERGENCY VISITS FOR POISONING (2022)

60%+

CHILD POISONINGS HAPPEN AT HOME (2020)

52%+

INVOLVE MEDICATIONS (2020)

Preventing Poisoning Injuries.

Poisoning can happen fast - but it’s preventable. Here’s how to protect your home and your family.

1. Medications

  1. Keep all medications in a locked cabinet or box, out of sight and reach of children.
  2. Store medications in original containers with clear labels.
  3. Always read and follow the dosage instructions.
  4. Use the measuring tool provided — never guess.
  5. Keep visitors’ bags and coats out of reach. Family, friends, babysitters, and house guests may have medications in their coats, briefcases, purses, or backpacks.

2. Cannabis & Alcohol

  1. Lock up cannabis and alcohol in cabinets out of reach.
  2. Store cannabis edibles in child-resistant packaging — they can look like candy or snacks.
  3. Put products away immediately after use.
  4. Teach teens about the risks of alcohol, cannabis, and mixing substances.

3. Household Cleaners & Chemicals

  1. Store cleaning products, hand sanitizer, laundry pods, paint, and other chemicals in high, locked cabinets.
  2. Never mix cleaners - some combinations can create toxic gases.
  3. Keep products in their original containers with warning labels.
  4. Protective gear like gloves, or goggles may be needed when handling chemicals. Check the labels for safe use.
  5. Don’t put cleaners or chemicals into cups, bottles, or food containers - this can lead to confusion and poisoning.
  6. Supervise children when using hand sanitizer.

4. Safe Diposal

  1. Don’t flush or pour medications or chemicals down the drain.
  2. Return unused or expired medications to a pharmacy.
  3. Dispose of household chemicals and hazardous materials at your local Eco Station or similar facility.

Resources.

IPC Resources:

External Resources:

Get social.

Use these hashtags on social media to discuss this issue.

#PoisoningPrevention #NPPW

Updated 7 August, 2025.

References

1 Injury Prevention Centre.  Alberta Health data received August 2023.  Data unpublished.

2 InfoPoison. The first Pan-Canadian Poison Centre Annual Report since 1987 [Internet]. InfoPoison; 2020. Available from: https://infopoison.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Poison-Centre-Annual-Report-2020-EN_Final.pdf

These Lands.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs, and research stations are primarily located on the territory of the Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway / Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.

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