2023 Annual Report of the Seoul Poison Control Center

Purpose: The Korea University Anam Hospital Seoul Poison Control Center (Seoul PCC) has provided counseling services and poisoning prevention projects for the public and medical professionals since January 2022. This report summarizes the center’s performance and consultation data for 2023.Methods: The Seoul PCC operates a helpline (1855-2221) on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, along with chat and chatbot services via KakaoTalk, 1:1 online counseling through its website, and public engagement through social media. Data collected from January to December 2023 were analyzed in terms of case frequency, age, gender, location, reason for exposure, and substance type. Consultation requests from the general public were summarized, and information snapshots were utilized to present information on poisoning-related consultations.Results: In 2023, the center handled 1,231 consultations, including 1,193 post-exposure and 38 non-exposure cases. Among post-exposure cases, 724 were from Seoul, 429 were from other areas, and 78 were from unspecified locations. Requests originated from the public (30.1%, n=359) and medical staff (69.9%, n=834). Frequently reported substances included medications (61.4%), common household products (13.5%), other household items (6.3%), synthetic toxicants (5.7%), and food (3.9%). Children under 12 accounted for 159 cases (13.3%), with exposures to common household products (45.9%), medications (27.7%), food (10.7%), and stationery/toys (11.5%).Conclusion: From 2022 to 2023, consultations increased by 113.0%, with child exposures rising 82.7%. Medications remained the most common form of exposure across all ages, while common household products were the leading cause among children under 12. Most exposures were unintentional and occurred at home. In addition, most consultations concluded without a visit to a medical institution.