Utah's Poison Control Center wants to curb the number of calls they receive, so they're kicking off Poison Awareness Week on Sunday to help warn residents of the dangers at home.
The Poison Control Center says they receive more than 50,000 calls a year, and over 90 percent of them are accidents that happen at home.
"In Utah, we get over fifty thousand calls a year within our borders. That would be enough to fill up Rice Eccles Stadium," said Marty Malheiro, Utah Poison Control Center.
Malheiro says they've seen an increase in adult poisoning deaths, most of which are related to prescription pain medications, whether it's from an overdose or sharing with friends.
Children are more likely to accidentally consume something like cosmetics and cleaners. In Utah, over 60 percent of calls are for children under 6.
"So many poisons have an evil twin. A look alike type, that looks like something they're used to eating or drinking," said Malheiro.
Officials encourage parents and caretakers to make sure toxic chemicals stay out of reach of children, especially if they look like something the child enjoys.
The Utah Poison Control Center operates a 24-hour toll-free hotline in case of emergencies at 1-800-222-1222. For more information, visit uuhsc.utah.edu/poison.
