Proclamation 9407-National Poison Prevention Week, 2016
Issued 2016-03-18 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation designating March 20-26, 2016, as National Poison Prevention Week. This is a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to preventing accidental poisonings, which are the leading cause of accidental injury death in the United States. The proclamation notes that more than 90 percent of poisonings occur inside the home and that most are treatable and preventable. Congress originally authorized presidents to issue this annual proclamation in 1961.
The proclamation explains that common household items pose poisoning risks to both children and adults. Young children are most often poisoned by cleaning products, cosmetics, personal care products, and medications found at home. Adults, while less likely to be poisoned, are far more likely to die from poison exposure, most commonly from cleaning products or improper use of sedatives, antidepressants, pain relievers, or prescription drugs. The proclamation also highlights the danger of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas.
This proclamation calls on Americans to take preventive steps like keeping household products in original bottles away from children, never mixing products together, installing and testing carbon monoxide detectors, and taking medications according to label instructions or healthcare provider guidance. It provides the Poison Help line number (1-800-222-1222) for emergencies and directs people to government websites for additional safety information. The proclamation does not create new laws or impose legal requirements—it simply encourages awareness and safe practices during the designated week.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9407-National Poison Prevention Week, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to poison prevention. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9407—National Poison Prevention Week, 2016 March 18, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As the leading cause of accidental injury death in the United States, poisonings can harm people of all ages and from all walks of life. More than 90 percent of poisonings occur inside the home, and most are treatable and preventable. During National Poison Prevention Week, we work to ensure the safety of our homes and communities by learning of the dangers of poison and striving to prevent poisonings. The most common sources of poisoning in young children are items typically found at home, including cleaning, cosmetic, and personal care products, as well as over-the-counter and prescription medications. Although children are more likely to be poisoned, adults—who are most commonly poisoned by cleaning products, or by the improper use of sedatives, antidepressants, pain relievers, or prescription drugs—are far more likely to die from poison exposure. With diligence and caution, these tragedies can be avoided. Make sure household products are kept in their original bottles and away from children, and never mix such products together. Some poisonous materials and va