American Association of Poison Control Centers
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The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) is a private nongovernmental association representing the US's 61 Poison control centers and their staff and affiliated toxicologists. It manages the 1-800-222-1222 Poison Help 24-hour hotline and operates the only poisoning surveillance database in the United States.
The 24-hour hotline is continuously staffed by pharmacists, physicians, nurses and poison information providers who have received dedicated training in the field of toxicology and provide immediate poison exposure management as well as information on potential poisons. Callers are automatically routed to the local Poison control center closest to them.
More than 70% of poison exposure cases are managed simply by phone, making the Poison Help hotline a key medical resource and reducing costly emergency room visits. Anyone who is curious about proper handling of a product, or suspects himself or an acquaintance may have been exposed to a poison, can call 1-800-222-1222.
