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7342614
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National Poison Prevention Week, 1976, Proclamation [Proclamation]
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7342614
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document
title
National Poison Prevention Week, 1976, Proclamation [Proclamation]
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White House Press Releases (Ford Administration)
Press Releases
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7342614
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18
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1976-02-18
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1976
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Digitized from Box 21 of the White House Press Releases at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 18, 1976
Office of the White House Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK, 1976
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
The life of a child is precious. The loss of even one
child is tragic. Yet each year accidental poisonings cause
too many of our Nation's children to suffer illness and
injury from which they may never recover.
As every parent knows, children are by nature inquisi-
tive. They are explorers and experimenters. It is our
responsibility not only to teach them the dangers that
poisonous substances present, but to provide them with a
safe environment. Special packaging required under the
provisions of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970
plays a major role in achieving this aim. Data recently
released by the National Center for Health Statistics indicate
that in the year since aspirin products were first required
to be kept in safety packaging, the number of deaths among
children under five from aspirin poisoning declined 48 percent.
While these developments are encouraging, they provide
no excuse for a relaxation of concern or vigilance. During
1974, over 200,000 accidental ingestions of household sub-
stances were reported by poison control centers throughout the
country. Approximately 130,000 involved children under five
years of age. But these reports may represent only a fraction
of the actual number of toxic episodes. Medical authorities
estimate that each year 600,000 to one million children
accidentally swallow substances which may be harmful -- or even
deadly.
Recognizing the need to encourage all Americans to take
preventive measures to eliminate accidental poisonings and
their tragic toll, the Congress, by joint resolution of
September 26, 1961 (36 U.S.C. 165), has requested the President
to issue annually a proclamation designating the third week
in March as National Poison Prevention Week.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the
United States of America, do hereby designate the week
beginning March 21, 1976, as National Poison Prevention
Week. I urge all Americans to provide safety for our Nation's
youngsters by storing, using, and handling household sub-
stances with care. I invite all organizations concerned with
preventing accidental poisoning among children to join in
activities that will assist in protecting all our children
from these dangers.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighteenth day of February , in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred seventy-six, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundredth.
GERALD R. FORD
#####