What Do Yinz Know About Mr. Yuk?
The universal face of poison prevention was created in Pittsburgh in 1971.
PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER
As food editor, I’m always telling people what to eat, but today, I’m changing my tune.
If you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember the song: “Mr. Yuk is mean/Mr. Yuk is green.”
But did you know Mr. Yuk is a yinzer?
Pittsburgh’s favorite sourpuss turns 55 this month, so here are a few facts about that iconic face:
- Mr. Yuk was created in 1971 by the late Dr. Richard Moriarty, founder and director of the Pittsburgh Poison Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
- Mr. Yuk was the first recognized poison prevention/poison center awareness symbol in the United States. Since then, he’s gone global.
- Every Mr. Yuk sticker bears the name of the nearest poison center and the national toll-free “Poison Help” telephone number: 1-800-222-1222.
- Regardless of your location in the U.S. or its territories, dialing that number will direct your call to the nearest regional poison center 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round.
- To request a free sheet of Mr. Yuk stickers, send a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope to: Mr. Yuk, Pittsburgh Poison Center, 200 Lothrop St., PFG 01-01-01, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
I remember my parents slapping Mr. Yuk on all the hazardous materials in our house. I knew that mean mug meant danger, but as a fellow grump, I found him relatable. Still do.
These days, Mr. Yuk attends meet-and-greets at area hospitals and community events and participates in the annual Citiparks Mascot Skate Celebration at Schenley Park Skating Rink. Last year, he pitched in during the Immaculate Collection, a region-wide clean-up initiative.
In this Digital Age, the neon naysayer spends a lot of time warning teens about social media challenges that may encourage others to misuse medications, spices or household products. Mr. Yuk is one of the world’s original emojis, kids; take heed!
I bought my teenager a Mr. Yuk Education Pack online that includes a reusable grocery tote bag, two key rings, five magnets, five pencils and, of course, five sheets of stickers. She recommended decorating our kitchen with them to warn people about my cooking.
After that comment, I took back the tote and will use it as a lunch bag so no one at the office steals my food.
Yuk, yuk. Just kidding. My coworkers know I’m emotionally attached to my leftovers.
