PROCLAMATION
POISON AWARENESS MONTH
March 1999

     WHEREAS, more than 7 million accidental poisonings occur each year, with 75 percent involving children under the age of six; and

     WHEREAS, the estimated national expenditure on poison exposures is eight billion dollars annually; and

     WHEREAS, it has been estimated that every dollar spent on poison centers, education and prevention will save seven dollars in overall health care costs; and

     WHEREAS, many of these accidents could be avoided through education and simple safety precautions.

     THEREFORE, In special recognition of the need to protect our children and all citizens from the dangers of accidental poisoning, I, Tom Ridge, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim March 1999 as POISON AWARENESS MONTH in Pennsylvania and encourage all citizens to learn how to make their homes and workplaces safe from the threat of poisons.