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Arlington, VA — The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), Oregon Poison Center, and Virginia Poison Center will host a “disinfectants Q&A” via Facebook on April 30, 2020 at 2pm ET.

As Americans navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces continues to be an important part of preventing the spread. It can be difficult to determine the difference between facts and myths regarding COVID-19. The Q&A will mitigate this issue by providing tips for how to use disinfectants safely and effectively to prevent the spread of disease.

When used properly, disinfectants can be effective against the spread of diseases such as COVID-19. When used incorrectly, they can cause harm. The Q&A will cover common questions about disinfectants, as well as what items and surfaces should and should not be disinfected. With the scarcity of resources, many Americans have taken the “Do It Yourself” (DIY) approach. Although not recommended, the Q&A will also offer important reminders about DIY products in order to prevent poisonings and toxic exposures.

“During the first quarter of 2020, poison centers received approximately 17,392 exposure calls related to disinfectants” said Richard Fogelson, AAPCC Chief Executive Officer. “As parents and caregivers juggle responsibilities at home and think of creative ways to keep their little ones active and learning, this is a great opportunity to establish home safety practices. Our team wants to ensure that we provide the public with clear answers to questions that help keep families safe and prevent accidental poison exposures.”

“When using disinfectants to protect ourselves and our families from viral pathogens we should not forget that these chemicals can be harmful if not used according to label directions,” said Dr. Jeffrey Jenkins, NPIC Director. Join us on April 30, 2020 at 2pm ET on AAPCC’s Facebook page to ask questions and learn more about disinfectants. Ask questions—it could save a life.

Be prepared in an emergency by saving the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222, in your mobile phone.

Display the Poison Help contact number throughout your home. You can also text POISON to 797979 to save the Poison Help contact number into your mobile phone. Poison Help provides immediate free, confidential, and expert help 24/7/365.

For more information about disinfectants and other pesticides contact NPIC by phone at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST). Disinfectant and pesticide information is also available by email at npic@ace.orst.edu.

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Arlington, VA – The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) is pleased to announce and welcome Richard Fogelson as the new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Fogelson will be joining the Association in April and will be responsible for AAPCC’s mission execution, business plan, financial affairs, staff and programs.

Mr. Fogelson comes to AAPCC with more than 20 years of healthcare, medical, legal, strategy, and health policy experience. Prior to joining AAPCC, Mr. Fogelson served as a Principal at Booz Allen Hamilton in its healthcare group working across federal agencies in the areas of life sciences, emergency medicine and fraud, waste and abuse. Prior to Booz Allen, Mr. Fogelson was a Practice Manager for Strategy & Operations with the Advisory Board Company, a membership of the nation’s leading hospitals and health systems. In addition to his work at Booz Allen and the Advisory Board Company, Mr. Fogelson is an attorney who previously specialized in complex professional liability litigation in state and federal courts.

Outside of his formal work, Mr. Fogelson is an active Emergency Medical Technician volunteering with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia and has been active in Emergency Medical Services for over 35 years.

“We are excited to welcome Richard to AAPCC,” said Dr. Mark Ryan, PharmD, AAPCC President. “An attorney by trade, Richard is also a business leader with a passion for both law and medicine. This, coupled with extensive experience in commercial and federal consulting and contracting made Richard an ideal candidate.”

“It’s an honor to have been selected to work with the professionals at every level across our nation’s Poison Control Centers, Fogelson said. “AAPCC and its members have life-changing impact in the communities they serve, and I could not be more thrilled to support this mission driven organization.”

AAPCC reminds the public that in case of potential poison exposure, call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222. To save the number in your phone, text POISON to 797979. Poison experts are available 24/7 and advice is free of charge. Please visit aapcc.org to receive more information on emerging hazards.