Potentially Dangerous Toys to Be Aware of this Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of year! As people start heading to the stores to purchase neat toys for their loved ones, it is important to be aware of the toys that could pose a potential danger to children. A consumer safety group called PIRG (Public Interest Research Groups) recently released its annual report on dangerous toys this holiday season. Some of the toys that made this list can also be potential poisons. Here are some of the things to look out for this holiday season.

Slime

Slime- you see it everywhere these days due to its popularity with children. There are products that now sell a set with of all the ingredients needed for children to make their own slime. One of these slime making kits from Nickelodeon, is labeled “Frozen Treats Slime” and is marketed as smelling just like ice cream. But the packaging also states that the set contains harmful ingredients that should not be ingested. These slime packages can be a lot of fun for children, but it is extremely important that they are being monitored by an adult when playing.  Slime is not made for ingesting and should be kept out of children’s mouths.

Some slime products contain a substance called borax. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral, but natural is not synonymous to safe. Ingesting borax could cause adverse reactions such as:

·         Rash or burn to skin or mouth

·         Nausea and Vomiting

·         Respiratory problems

·         Long term reproductive health issues

Ingesting even a small amount of borax could potentially cause vomiting and diarrhea.  Larger amounts could cause more severe symptoms.  If you or a loved one consumes slime with borax, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Texas Poison Center Network for help at 1-800-222-1222. The call is free and is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are looking for a slime recipe that doesn’t include borax, click this link to learn more.

Children’s Play Make-Up

Make-up can be fun for children to play with, but it can also be a cause for concern. Last year, asbestos was found in some make-up kits.  Most make-up products are not tested or required to pass any safety standards to ensure they are free of dangerous chemicals. Therefore, it is best to err on the side of caution and check the ingredients yourself if you are purchasing play make-up. We recommend avoiding these products altogether, but if you are purchasing a make-up play set, make sure the products are contaminant and talc-free (talc can be a source of asbestos).

Exposure to asbestos can cause several health cancers including mesothelioma. If you or a loved one believes they have come in contact with asbestos, please call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222.

Jewelry with Toxic Metals

Children’s jewelry is usually made from a variety of metallic and plastic materials.  Some manufacturers have been known to use heavy metals to include cadmium. Cadmium is a known carcinogen and can hinder brain development in children. Therefore, it is not a good idea to purchase cheap jewelry for young children who might potentially put these items in their mouths.

Button Batteries

Button batteries are smaller than a penny. These lithium batteries can be found in many children’s toys as well as remote controls and watches. The reason these can be dangerous is if you were to swallow one, it could cause life-threatening damage. The battery can cause burn damages to the esophagus, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and sometimes death. If you might suspect your child swallowed a button battery, please call the poison hotline as soon as possible.

Older Toys (and some new toys) that can Contain Lead

Beware when re-gifting older toys as they can contain lead. There are also some newer toys (musical instruments available on-line), that through an investigation by the Wall Street Journal, were found to contain illegal levels of lead.

Why is lead dangerous? When a child puts objects containing lead in their mouths, the child can get lead poisoning. Lead is toxic to humans and animals. It can cause serious health issues and even low levels of lead in the blood can cause:

• Behavior and learning problems
• Hyperactivity
• Slowed growth
• Hearing Issues
• Anemia

In rare cases, it can also cause seizures, coma, and even death. If you are concerned you or a loved one might have encountered lead, please do not hesitate to reach out to the poison center.

The Texas Poison Center Network wants everyone to have a safe holiday and for presents to be poison-free! If you have any issues or concerns about any toys, including the ones we shared with you today, don’t hesitate to call.  Our phone lines are answered by pharmacists, nurses and toxicologists ready to help you with your poison concerns. Program the number in your phone so you always have it handy: 1-800-222-1222.

Have a Healthy & Happy Thanksgiving

As we get closer to celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends, it’s important to keep in mind safety precautions you should practice in order to stay healthy. Follow these important tips from the Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) to assist you in having a poison-free Thanksgiving holiday.

As you prepare your feast, please keep these tips in mind:

• Store and prepare food safely. Food poisoning is usually due to poor food handling practices. Symptoms can include fever, headache, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and vomiting. Food poisoning usually occurs when bacteria gets on the food, then enters the body and make you sick. Wash hands, dishes, utensils, kitchen equipment and work surfaces before and after handling food. Be particularly careful with knives and cutting boards, washing them thoroughly after each use. Refrigerate or freeze perishable food within 2 hours of shopping or preparing; 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F.
• Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning and while it’s normally not fatal, it is widespread. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramping, with onset about 12 to 72 hours after infection; the illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment, but diarrhea and dehydration may be so severe that some people need hospital care. It is typically found in raw meats, poultry, eggs, milk, fish and their bi-products. Salmonella can be destroyed by cooking food thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 140 degrees.
• When frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely. But as soon as it starts to thaw, bacteria that may have been there before freezing can start to grow again if it is not kept at a safe temperature. It’s okay to thaw the turkey in its original plastic for one to two days, but after that, move the turkey to a plastic container, wrap, or foil. Don’t keep it in its original wrapping for more than two days once it has started to thaw.
• Thaw turkey or poultry inside the fridge; do not thaw at room temperature or in water.   
• Don’t stuff the turkey in advance and then refrigerate it. The core of the turkey is a perfect place for bacteria to grow. Remove all stuffing before refrigerating leftover meats. Keep the stuffing, gravy or broth in a separate container.
• Be careful around the booze. Adults should always drink responsibly, but in large gatherings, it’s important to be mindful of small children – particularly those who aren’t afraid to pick up discarded cups left behind by adults. Even a small amount of alcohol can poison a child.
• Be wary of choking hazards. Peanuts, raisins, hard candies, cocktail sausages and other hors d’oeuvres are tasty additions to any holiday meal, but they can be choking hazard
  s for the littlest partiers. Many pediatricians advise that children under the age of one year avoid nuts, because of the risk of allergies. Keep these foods out of the reach of very young children to prevent a choking incident. 

If you have any concerns or questions regarding poisonings, please do not hesitate to contact us! Commit this number to memory or simply save it in your phone contacts: 1-800-222-1222. We are here when you need us, 24/7. Happy Thanksgiving!

TPCN SPI Spotlight: Cristie Bradshaw

1. Tell me your history with poison control and how you became a Specialist in Poison Information (SPI). (Length of time worked there/background/passion for this, etc.) 

I started my career with TTUHSC in a max security TDCJ unit, in high security. I knew I didn’t belong there, and Poison Control rescued me- whew. Yay! I have been a nurse for 26 yrs, CCU, home health and pre-auth nurse for an insurance company. I’ve been here a total of 14 years.

Cristie with her husband Tom.

2. I’m sure you hear a lot of interesting stories when answering calls, but what is one story that sticks out in your head that might have been scary, but turned out funny and/or everything worked out after the call. 

I mostly remember the tragic ones, sad but true.

3.What do you think people need to know about the people who answer the phones for poison control? 

We are nosy by nature in this line of work, we’re not interrogating you, we just need the facts ma’am, just the facts--that helps us provide the most appropriate treatment recommendations.

4. What do you enjoy most about your job and why? 

The schedule, gives me time for “life”.

5. Why do you think it is important for people to have poison control as a resource for emergency help? 

Save money and precious health care/emergency provider man power.

Stay Healthy When Visiting Petting Zoos

This time of year, you will find many holiday activities that include festivals, fairs, carnivals and many times, petting zoos. Many kids get excited to pet and feed the animals, but if they are not cautious, they can potentially become sick. Between 2010 and 2015, there were over 100 confirmed outbreaks of illnesses associated with petting zoos. The most common germs that people encounter include E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and Salmonella, but there are many other types of germs that can be spread between people and animals.

Who is the most at risk?

Children under 5 years of age as well as adults over the age of 65 are more likely to get sick from germs carried by animals. Those with a weakened immune system are also more at risk and should take extra precautions at petting zoos. Petting animals can be a fun activity if you practice safety first to ensure no one gets sick. After petting any animal, you need to make sure you wash your hands with soap and water. Not washing your hands or eating or drinking in the petting area increase your chances of getting sick.

How to Keep Loved Ones Healthy

Keep these important tips in mind when visiting petting zoos or anywhere where you can meet the animals.

·         Wash your hands right after touching the animals. Even if you do not touch the animals, but you go into their habitat, it is still important to wash your hands.

·         When it comes to washing your hands, soap and water works best! If you cannot find a hand-washing area nearby, then using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol will work as well. But make sure to wash your hands as soon as you can.

·         Do not eat or drink around animals and keep food and drink out of the areas where animals are kept. It is also important to make sure you do not share your food with the animals.

·         Always make sure to supervise children when they are around the animals.

·         Do not let children sit or play on the grounds where the animals stay or live.

·         Do not let children put anything in their mouths including fingers or an object such as a pacifier.

Visiting pettings zoos can be incredibly fun and educational, but we want to make sure it’s safe for all those involved too! If you are concerned that you might have fallen ill after visiting a petting zoo, call the poison center hotline for assistance at 1-800-222-1222. The poison centers can answer any of your questions and assist you with any poisoning concerns.

What you Need to Know about the Dangers of Vaping

E-cigs, vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, mods, tanks and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). What do these devices all have in common? They are all a form of e-cigarettes that people utilize for “vaping” or “juuling”. When these devices first came out, it was widely speculated that vaping was safer than smoking a regular cigarette. But as time goes on and more reports on vaping come to light, utilizing vaping devices for smoking could potentially be incredibly dangerous.

E-cigarettes can contain harmful substances that can include nicotine, heavy metals such as lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing substances. Some of these e-cigarette products are also used to deliver illicit or illegal substances such as THC or cannabinoid compounds. Furthermore, data has also shown many THC based vaping products are created illegally and there is no way for officials to regulate the products or know what ingredients are included. This makes it even harder to identify what is the ultimate culprit in these vaping products that is causing potentially life-threatening pulmonary illnesses.

As of September 6, 2019, the CDC has reported 450 possible cases from 33 different states including five deaths regarding pulmonary illnesses that have been linked to vaped nicotine or cannabis-related products. Many of these cases involving patients falling ill used cannabis-derived vaping products. A few reported using nicotine-based only.

Symptoms reported include:

·         Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

·         Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

·         Fatigue, fever, or weight loss

Some patients stated that symptoms came about within a few days, while others have reported that their symptoms developed over several weeks. The CDC stated that no infectious causes have been identified at this time, but they believe it has to do with some type of chemical exposure. To view the preliminary research by the CDC so far, please click on this link. Health officials are urging people to stop using vaping products until more data is available.

If you or someone you know is having any of these symptoms or have any concerns about this issue, please call the Texas Poison Center Network for assistance and/or information at 1-800-222-1222. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your concerns. 

To view PSAs created by the Upstate New York Poison Center, click on the links below. 

Students can view the video here: https://youtu.be/0mS9bnUGQGo

Parents can view the video here: https://youtu.be/8OxUpuPIfaA

Be Prepared, Not Scared, During National Preparedness Month

With hurricane season upon us, it’s a great time to be reminded of why being prepared for a national disaster is so incredibly important. September is National Preparedness Month, which promotes family and community disaster and emergency planning now and in the future. This year’s theme is “Prepared, Not Scared”, and the Texas Poison Center Network wants you to know we are here to help with any questions you may have during natural disasters.  See the tips below that will help you create a kit to keep you and your family safe. 

Emergency preparedness involves four important steps:

• Get or create a disaster preparedness kit (Check out this list from Ready.gov: https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit).   
• Make a plan so your family knows what to do when a disaster happens; then practice this plan with your family. (Check out this family communication plan from FEMA which is available in multiple languages: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan) 
• Sign up for alerts in your area and preparedness tips from FEMA (Follow this link for more information: https://www.ready.gov/get-tech-ready). 
• Get involved in preparing your community (The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster have worked tirelessly to assist communities since 1970 that are affected by disasters; learn how you can help by visiting their website at this link: https://www.nvoad.org/). 

How can the Poison Centers help during disasters? 

 If there is concern regarding a chemical or biological attack, the staff at each of the poison centers has widespread knowledge of healthcare resources and works closely with hospitals to ensure that patients receive the necessary treatment. Experts are able to identify what antidotes can help, as well as provide education to both the public and healthcare professionals.

 Poison center staff handles acute and chronic poisonings, including environmental and occupational exposures on a daily basis. This is a helpful resource because the specialists in poison information who answer your calls have expertise in toxicology.

 Poison centers collect data. The data collection system can assist in the detection of diseases and help track individuals who might have been exposed to a hazard. 

 Poison centers assist in alleviating fears. As a 24 hour resource, you can contact them at any time with concerns or issues. No question is too small and the poison specialists are happy to assist with any and all poison-related calls.  

The Poison Help Hotline is such an important resource to the community and the best part is it’s available 24/7 for FREE! Call 1-800-222-1222 and put your mind at ease when dealing with any natural disaster, emergency, or any other poison related issue. 

Back to School Poison Control Safety

Back to school means prepping! It may start with purchasing new school supplies and maybe even some new clothes in order to get back into the swing of learning! But it also means making sure you are prepared for poison emergencies.

Here are some tips from the Texas Poison Center Network to make sure this school year stays poison-free:

1.  Medications- Unfortunately, most poisonings involve medications. Remember, it is never a good idea to send medications in your children’s backpack. If you child needs to take medication during the day, talk to the office staff about the school’s policy on bringing and administering medications. For older children, remind them to never take any medication offered to them or that is not prescribed to them. Let your children know that one of the risks of sharing medications is not always knowing what is in the medication that is being shared. Always keep medications locked, out of sight and out of reach of children.

2.    School Supplies- It is a good idea to sit down with your young children and remind them that supplies they use at school such as crayons, glue, markers, and glitter should be kept out of their
mouths and should only be appropriately as the teacher has them do. It is important to educate older children on the potential danger of ingesting or inhaling some of these items simply because a friend dared them, etc.

3.    Cleaning Supplies- While most cleaning supplies in classrooms are out of reach of children, some are accidentally left in an area that is within reach and can be dangerous for children if ingested. This includes items like hand sanitizer. While hand hygiene is important to reduce the spread of bacteria, it is also important for adults to monitor it’s use, since it contains alcohol and other ingredients that can cause intoxication, vomiting or worse.

4.    Program the Poison Control Helpline in your phone. If you suspect a poison emergency, please contact 1-800-222-1222. Commit the number to memory and try to teach your kids the number as well. You never know when you might need it!

The TPCN hopes your children have a great school year and stay safe from poisonings of any kind. But if you do find yourself needing poison control, remember poison control experts are available to provide assistance and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays so never be afraid to reach out for help.

SPI Spotlight Blog: Orly from North Texas Poison Center

1.    Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in poison control.

My name is Orlando, but family and friends call me Orly. I was born and raised in Union City, New Jersey and moved to Dominican Republic to study medicine. This is where I met my wife Anelle. We have 3 kids; Katelyn 14, Alekzander 6, and Audrey 5 and 2 Dogs Mason and Khloe.

After graduating from Med School, we moved to Miami, Florida. This is where I began working at the poison center.  I have been working as a SPI for the last 11 years.

 

2.    When did you join the North Texas Poison Center?

We moved to Dallas and joined the NTPC in 2013 and we couldn’t be happier.

3.    What do you like to do in your free time?

On my free time I'm with my family or either enjoying my hobbies which include exercising and training in Martial Arts Jiu Jitsu.

The Dangers of Pool Chemicals Left Unattended

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently shared some frightening statistics regarding pool chemicals. Home pools make up over 56 percent of the injuries reported to the CDC and more than a third of these injuries involve children and teens. Pool chemicals put many people at risk for poisonings especially children and the Texas Poison Center Network wants you and your loved ones to be aware of what can happen when you encounter some of these toxic substances.

Did you know that pool chemical exposures send roughly 4,500 people to an emergency room every year? Luckily, these emergency visits can be preventable and all it takes is a little effort to safely store these chemicals locked up, away and out of reach.

What Makes Pool Chemicals Dangerous?

Pool chemicals, such as chlorine and bromine, are usually added to pools to treat the water and protect swimmers from spreading germs or causing illness outbreaks. Chlorine can also dry and irritate the skin. There are other pool chemicals you can find around hot tubs, saunas, and spas which help with disinfecting the water, stopping corrosion, protection from algae growth and improving overall water quality. If any of these chemicals are left out, they can fall into the wrong hands which can become a very unsafe situation. All these chemicals are dangerously toxic in high amounts.

Pool chemical poisonings can occur by breathing in the chemical fumes or gases when opening the containers which can cause shortness of breath, especially to those with asthma. Other injuries have occurred when pool chemicals are not secured, and children touch them or when people enter a pool too soon after chemicals have been added.

Safety Measures

Always keep pool chemicals stored up high and away where children cannot reach or get to them. It is also good to keep them in a locked container. If you are adding chemicals to a pool, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves, and any other recommended safety equipment listed on the product labels. The CDC does not recommend mixing pool chemicals, especially when it comes to chlorine and acid. You can learn more about pool safety and pool chemicals at the CDC website link: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/aquatics-professionals/pool-chemical-safety.html.

If you or someone you know might have been injured or poisoned by coming in contact with any pool chemicals, please do not hesitate to give the Texas Poison Center Network a call for assistance. We are here 24/7 to take your calls and assist you with your poison needs at 1-800-222-1222.

Bites and Stings to Look Out for in Summertime

As the weather heats up and kids get out of school for summer, more time is spent outdoors working and playing. The summer months can be full of fun, but it is also a time when bugs and snakes come out and while most are harmless, there are a few that can hurt you. Dangerous and venomous bugs such as wasps and spiders are important to keep a lookout for when being outdoors. There are also a few poisonous snakes to be aware of in case you ever come across them in the wild. The Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) wants you to know the dangers of encountering these bugs and snakes in order to keep you and your family poison-free!

Creepy Crawlers in Texas

Lots of little kids love bugs and enjoy touching and learning about them. Seeing kids’ curiosity about bugs can be endearing, but it’s important to be aware that some bugs can cause pain. Below the TPCN has compiled a list of some of the most prominently known bugs to lookout for in Texas when it comes to bites and stings, so make sure to share this information with kids or anyone playing or working outdoors.

Bees and Wasps

Honey Bee

You might have noticed some wasps, yellow jackets, bees or hornets buzzing around your home. If so, they most likely have built a nest somewhere on the outside of your home or in hollow places that do not get disturbed. When it is light out, look around your home to see if you can find the nest. If so, you should call a professional to take care of it. Never try to remove the nest yourself. If the nests are not taken care of, there can be dangerous consequences, especially for those who have allergies to these stings. 

Spiders

Black Widow

Most spiders are harmless to humans. But in Texas there are two spiders to watch out for and they are the brown recluse and the black widow. These spiders are known to hang out in dark areas where there isn’t much draft. The only time they might bite is if they feel threatened. Unfortunately, with most spider bites, you won’t even feel them. That is why it is important that anytime you find a suspecting bite on your body or your child’s, that you call the poison center for assistance and treatment recommendations.

Mosquitoes

Brown Recluse

Mosquitoes are some of the peskiest bugs out there, but they are relatively harmless as long as you cover yourself up with repellent. They can carry some yucky diseases, though, including West Nile Virus and malaria. The best way to avoid mosquitoes around your home is to get rid of any standing water, including bird baths. Standing water is the way mosquitoes breed so ensure you dump out all standing water, especially after it rains. Mosquitoes are most active in the early evening so if you need to go out at this time, make sure you use mosquito repellent and cover all exposed areas of skin.

Ticks

Ticks can be found in dense brush and wooded areas. If you plan on taking a hike or going around heavily wooded areas, make sure to cover your skin with clothing to help eliminate chances of a tick biting you. Also, safeguard by using tick repellent where skin is visible to eliminate chances of being bit. If you do find a tick embedded in your skin, the best thing you can do is remove it with tweezers. Call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 for information on how to remove it or treat the open wound it can sometimes leave behind.

Snakes to Look Out for in Texas

Cottonmouth

Cottonmouth

A cottonmouth snake can reach lengths of up to five feet long. Commonly called a water moccasin, these snakes enjoy being near bodies of water and are usually a dark black color with wide bands over its body. It is known to be aggressive so keep your eyes open when playing by lakes, ponds and rivers.

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnake

The Western Diamondback rattlesnake is one of the most common snakes you will find in Texas. It can reach lengths of up to seven feet and has a triangular-shaped head. They spend most of their days hiding in low-growing shrubs or rocks This snake is most known for their rattle, but it is also covered in a diamond-shaped pattern, which is where it gets its name. They don’t tend to be aggressive, but if their habitat is disturbed or threatened they can be, so keep your eyes peeled when out on hikes in wooded areas.

Copperhead

Copperhead

Copperheads reach about 30 inches long and their color consists of a reddish-brown head with coppery bodies. These snakes aren’t known to be aggressive. Most people who have been bitten only get bitten by accidentally stepping on them. They easily blend in with vegetation and dirt making it easy to step on one. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and where you are walking when in wooded or park areas.

Coral Snake

Coral Snake

This snake is the most colorful of the bunch, only reaching about 2 feet in length. They are easier to spot due to their bright red, black and yellow rings on their bodies. Coral snakes can be extremely dangerous due to their venom, especially if they bite a child. Their mouths can be fairly small, so they have an easier time of biting children than they do an adult. It is best to avoid these snakes and remember the saying: Red touching yellow, kills a fellow, while red touching black, venom they lack!

Remember, if you run across any of these snakes or bugs and happen to get bitten or stung, please do not hesitate to contact a poison center for help at 1-800-222-1222. They are always there, always free and can provide help on how to treat the bite and more. You can also visit www.poisoncontrol.org to read more information on bites and stings.

DEA National Drug Takeback Day 2019 is Coming Up!

April 27^th is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which addresses an important public safety and health concern. What is the concern? If you do not properly dispose of unused medications or expired prescription medications, then they could end up in the wrong hands and cause a potential overdose or adverse reaction to a medication. Unused and expired medicines in the home put you and your family at an increased risk for accidental poisonings.

According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 6 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. Many of these medications were obtained from family members and friends. Medication take back days provide an opportunity for families to dispose of medicine in a safe, convenient, and responsible way.

On April 27^th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will collect medications at various drug take-back sites. By turning in your unused medications, you are helping save lives! Remember, medications should never be flushed down the toilet, because this can affect the clean water supply. Instead of simply throwing medications in the trash, head to a drug take-back site and turn them in.

Here are some important points to why turning in old medications is so vital:

• Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when they get in the wrong hands.
• The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second to marijuana as the most commonly abused drugs in America.
• Unused prescription drugs can easily be retrieved if simply thrown in the trash. They can then be abused or illegally sold to others.
• Most teens who abuse medications get them from family or friends by going into their medicine cabinets.

To find a drug take-back location near you, please visit https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1. And for more information on Drug Take-Back Day, please visit the DEA website at https://takebackday.dea.gov/.

The Texas Poison Center Network wants to keep you and your family safe. It is always important to safely store the medicines you use by keeping them out of reach of children and pets.

If you or someone you know has misused medication and is having adverse reactions, please contact us! You can also contact the poison center for information on safe medication disposal. They are available to take your call 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.

Bringing Awareness to National Poison Prevention Week

This week, March 17th-23^rd, marks the celebration of National Poison Prevention Week 2019. In 1961, the United States designated the third full week of March as National Poison Prevention Week, a week dedicated to highlighting the dangers of poisonings. This year marks the 57^th year and acts as a reminder that poisonings are the leading cause of injury related death in the United States. While injuries can cause harm, many are preventable. And for those injuries that aren’t prevented, a poison expert is only a phone call away and ready to assist you.

In 2017, poison centers in the US received approximately 2.6 million cases via telephone. That’s one poison exposure call every 12 seconds! But not all the statistics involving poisons are bad. In fact, poison centers save Americans more than $1.8 billion every year in medical costs and lost productivity. That is amazing and an incredible attribute to all the hard work the poison centers do to help save lives and cut down visits to the emergency room.

Poison centers are also a fantastic help when it comes to major public health emergencies and epidemics. Since 2011, the centers have handled 500,000 calls of opioid misuse and abuse as well as calls of concern regarding measles diagnoses. Other major issues poison centers have assisted with recently include liquid laundry packets, synthetic cannabinoids, and e-cigarettes.

Not only do centers assist people with their poison emergencies, but they also assist first responders and hospital personnel. And on top of that, they identify emerging drugs of abuse and provide countless hours of educational outreach.

What is considered a poison?

A poison is any substance, including medications, which can be harmful to your body if too much is ingested, inhaled, injected or absorbed through the skin. Accidental poisoning can occur when a person unintentionally takes too much of a substance without wanting to cause themselves harm.

Poisonings are more common than you might think. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), approximately 93 percent of these poisonings are happening at home, with 45%of them involving children under the age of six.

Here are some tips to keep your family safe:

• In children ages six and younger, the most common exposures are to medicines, personal care and cleaning products.
• Child-resistant packages are not childproof. Most two-year olds can open a child-resistant container in 3 minutes or less.
• Calling 1-800-222-1222 from anywhere in the United States will connect you to your regional poison center.  
• Keep all poisons locked up and out of reach of children.
• Never refer to medicine (prescription, vitamins or otherwise) as candy, as children often mistake pills for yummy candy.
• Get fuel burning appliances checked yearly and make sure working carbon monoxide detectors are installed in your home and checked twice a year. This is especially important for the winter months.

What to Do in the Event of an Accidental Poisoning

If you or someone else has been potentially poisoned, always remember to first remain calm. Then immediately call the toll-free Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Follow all instructions given to you by the poison specialist. Often, the poison specialist will call you back to make sure that things are going okay. For more information on accidental poisonings and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones, please visit the Texas Poison Center Network website at www.poisoncontrol.org.

 Below is the Texas Governor Proclamation on Poison Prevention Week:

What You Need to Know About CBD Oils

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil and CBD oil containing products have become the new “thing” that people claim can help with all types of ailments from seizures to sleeplessness, anxiety, inflammation and many more.

All medications in the US, whether they are found in a pharmacy, a discount store, or the medicine aisle of your local grocery store, are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications. Unfortunately, since CBD oils and CBD oil containing products are not considered medications, they are not federally regulated; just like dietary supplements, homeopathic agents, and herbal products. And, since they are not federally regulated, they have no requirements for quality, efficacy and even safety. There is also the potential of possible contamination during the growing, production, packaging, labeling or even storing and shipping process that adds an additional layer of concern.

Even though CBD oil is marketed as legal, in reality it is not that simple.  Since CBD oil can be extracted from either the marijuana plant or the hemp plant, their legal status is usually questionable. Hemp derived oils are currently legal in most states since they claim not to contain THC (the chemical that makes marijuana illegal) and thus does not cause the “high”.  Marijuana derived oils are usually only legal in some states where other marijuana containing products are also legal. 

   

Since there is not yet enough scientific evidence to justify their effectiveness or safety, it is essential that proper precautions are taken when purchasing CBD oil or any other CBD containing product and that any adverse effects are reported immediately.  It is also important to discuss their use with your physician since there is a possibility that they can cause adverse reactions when mixed with certain medications. If you or someone you know has an adverse reaction to a CBD oil or CBD containing product, please do not hesitate to contact the Texas Poison Center Network for help at 1-800-222-1222. They have certified nurses and pharmacists answering the phones 24/7 to help with any question or poison emergency.

TPCN Spotlight Blog: North Texas SPI Joel Sherman

1)    Tell me your history with poison control and how you became a SPI.

I have only worked at Poison Control since this past September.  My background is in school nursing for the most part and it is 

policy there to contact poison control for any exposure to a potentially toxic substance that a student or teacher has been exposed to. The thing that I enjoy most about this job is learning practical information about substances that I can help people with (this also satisfies my need to be a smarty pants). I learned about the job when my fiancé stated that she and her sister had a friend who were always talking about how awesome the job is.

2)    I’m sure you hear a lot of interesting stories when answering calls, but what is one story that sticks out in your head that might have been scary but turned out funny and/or everything worked out after the call.

I once received a call where a teacher had been smearing glow stick fluids all over her face while giving her students a lecture

over toxic chemicals. I guess this is so they would remember the subject matter. She stated that she got some of the fluid in her eye and that now her face was burning. She stated she irrigated her eye earlier. I recommended washing her face with soap and water. I assume that everything worked out okay after this call because she didn’t call back complaining of worsening symptoms. I thought the call was ironic for many reasons. She read on the label that the substance was non-toxic, she was talking about toxic chemicals. Then she called Poison Control because when her face started burning she second guessed herself on the toxicity. And why would you rub it on your face if you were not 100% certain. Plus just weird.

    3)    What do you think people need to know about the people who answer the phones for poison control?

We give advice according to the amount of information we are given. The more descriptive they can be with the situation the more we will be able to help.

    4)    What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

I enjoy learning. Everyday there is something new to learn and all of the people that I work with are great resources with a vast amount of knowledge.

5)    Why do you think it is important for people to have poison control as a resource for emergency help?

It is important for people to have poison control as a resource for emergency help because a lot of exposures do not require a medical professional to observe. These exposures when taken to the Emergency Department (ED) of the hospital are expensive for the person who was exposed, and make take up a spot in the ED that can be used for true medical emergency.

Top New Year’s Resolutions from the Texas Poison Center Network

With the new year upon us, now is the perfect time to make sure you and your family are prepared to prevent potential poisonings and keep your loved ones safe. The TPCN has compiled our top five resolutions for have a poison-free year! 

Check them out below:

1.    STAY INFORMED! Sign up for the TPCN Newsletter and the TPCN Blog- The newsletter comes only once a month to your email and it provides you with tips and tools regarding the time of year and any major timely poison related issues. The blog is bi-weekly and provides updates on newsworthy poison dangers. By receiving these and reading them, you can stay up-to-date on poison dangers and ensure you are keeping you and your loved ones healthy and safe.

2.    BE PREPARED! Save the Poison Help Number: If you do ever need to call poison control, it’s a smart idea to already have the number saved in your phone. In stressful situations it can sometimes be hard to remember numbers, so having the number saved in your phone will alleviate stress and help you get ahold of poison control quickly. Save it in your phone: 1-800-222-1222!

3.    PREVENT POISON! Clean Out Medications 

      and Other Potentially Dangerous Household Products: Now is a great time to clean out your medicine cabinet. Get rid of expired medications or any medications you no longer take or need. Once you have done that, make sure your medication is located up, away, & out of sight in a secured location. This keeps children out of medications and keeps your entire family safer.

Be sure to keep and store any household cleaners and other potential poisons in secure locations as well. These household items will also have expiration dates on them, so if they are expired, be sure to throw those away too!

4.    SHARE! Order a FREE Materials from the TPCN Website: On our website, you can order free magnets, brochures and other educational items. Make sure to at least order a magnet for your family and maybe a few extra to give to friends, neighbors or relatives to keep on their refrigerators, especially those with small children and those who are elderly. To order, visit www.poisoncontrol.org, click on “Order Materials” and input your zip code. Scroll down and you can see all the items you can order from us at no cost to help you stay informed and poison-free!

5.    TPCN Brochures: Download or order at least one of the poison control brochures to learn more about poisons from our website www.poisoncontrol.org. Brochure topics include:

·         Poison Prevention Guide

·         Bites and Stings

·         Poisonous Plants

·         Alcohol and Tobacco

·         Prescription Drug Epidemic

·         Synthetic Drugs