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Poison Control Centers A poison control center is a service that offers free expert treatment advice about potentially poison- ous substances. Calling 1-800-222-1222, like Caleb’s parents did, will lead you to a poison control center in your area. These poison control centers make medical experts available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Most contacts with poisonous substances can be dealt with right over the phone. If you think you have eaten or inhaled anything that could possibly be poisonous, call this number immediately!

Caleb’s parents understood the dangers of poisons. They also understood that Caleb, who was only eight, might not be old enough to handle these products safely. That was why he wasn’t given any of the chores that involved these potential poisons. Instead, they asked him to clean his room and tidy the house. But Caleb’s parents still had a few more chores to do before they could feel ready for the party. His father decorated the yard with lights so that their guests could continue to enjoy the pool at night. He set up tiki lights around the pool. These lights are filled with a special kind of fuel, which Caleb’s mother picked up at the store when she was buying the coals and lighter f luid for the grill. By the time guests started to arrive, everything was ready. The night was filled with food, fun, swimming, and laughing. Caleb’s parents were proud of their home and glad the night was turn- ing out so well. Sadly, the night would not end as happily as it began. After swimming and playing for hours, Caleb climbed out of the pool feeling very thirsty. By one of the tiki lamps, he noticed a plastic bottle. It looked like those that usually held his favorite juices. He picked up the clear bottle and saw a liquid that looked a lot like apple juice. He opened the bottle and took a large gulp. He quickly knew something was wrong. The liquid tasted awful and made him choke. He wasn’t able to swallow the liquid, and it made his lungs burn. He ran to his parents, crying from the pain. They asked him what was wrong, and he showed them the bottle he drank from. Knowing their son was in danger, his parents acted quickly. They quickly searched the Internet and found the phone number for the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222). This phone number led them to their nearest poison control center. The doctors at the poison control center told them to give Caleb some water and take him directly to a hospital. In the car ride to the hospital, it was hard for Caleb to drink the water, because he was coughing so much. His mother was very angry, and that made him very upset. She couldn’t believe Caleb’s father hadn’t put the bottle of fuel away in a safe place. She was angry the company that made the torch fuel would sell it in a bottle that looked so much like those that contain drinks. And though she knew it really wasn’t fair, she was mad at Caleb for not taking the time to read the warning labels on the bottle.

Real-Life Stories

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