Holiday Hazards to Look Out For and Tips on How to Stay Safe, from the Texas Poison Center Network

As you prepare to celebrate the winter holidays this season, remember to keep safety in mind, especially when it comes to potential poisonings. If you follow these tips, you can help ensure you have a poison-free holiday!

Poison Proof Your Home

Secure all medicines, cleaning products, and personal care products by putting them up high, locked- up, and out of sight and out of reach. This includes items in purses, backpacks, and other regularly accessed places that kids might look through curiously.

Beware of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Remember never to use a gas stovetop, gas oven, or charcoal grill indoors for heat. Also, make sure to keep any flammables away from floor furnaces. Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home and change out the batteries twice a year. It could save your life!

Button Batteries

Some toys and gifts can have flat, coin-shaped batteries, usually called button batteries. These can be very dangerous if swallowed. They can cause serious internal injuries. Keep all batteries locked- up and out of sight.

Food Safety

It is always essential to take precautions to prevent food poisoning. Always wash your hands before and after handling food. Ensure all counters and cooking utensils, such as cutting boards, are kept free of germs by spraying them down with a kitchen cleaner or using soap and hot water. Lastly, make sure not to leave food sitting out too long. Make sure to put leftover food away in the refrigerator to be safely eaten later.

Traveling this Holiday

If you plan to travel this holiday season, use this guide from the CDC before you go.

Before you travel:

•            Research your destination's COVID-19 restrictions.

•            Plan to meet any testing or vaccination requirements for travel.

During travel:

•            Wear a mask and pack extras for your trip.

•            Practice safety steps like washing your hands often and choosing safer options like outdoor visits with family.

•            Isolate and follow guidance if you get COVID-19 on your trip.

Call your local poison center in Texas at 1-800-222-1222 for help with a potential poisoning or questions regarding poisons. Trained pharmacists and nurses can help 24-hours a day, seven days a week.  Never hesitate to call! 

TPCN SPI SPOTLIGHT: Cesar Delgadillo, BSN, CSPI

 

Meet Cesar Delgadillo!

"I live in El Paso, Texas with my wife, 4 kids, 3 dogs, (Chihuahua mix female, Yorkie male, & Schnauzer male) & 2 female Cockatiel birds.  I am a first-generation college graduate, the first in my family to go to college, and a culinary school dropout."

"If I could live anywhere in the world, it would probably be somewhere with no traffic, off-grid, in a cabin somewhere by a nice forest for a summer."

What motivates you to work hard? 

"To serve the public, help those in need."

Favorite thing about your career?

"It puts a smile on my face when we make a positive impact in someone's life."

Do you prefer reading or movies? 

"I prefer to watch movies for entertainment."

Favorite sport or sports team?

"Dallas Cowboys!"

Have you learned anything new since we have been quarantined at home during COVID that you enjoy? 

"I learned I enjoy having 6 feet of separation (social distancing). I don't like people up in my personal space!

Favorite hobby when you are not working?

I like smoking on my days off.... Brisket, Chicken Wings, Pork, and Barbacoa.

Cough Medicines and Children: What You Need to Know

When our children get sick, we want to do everything we can to make them feel better. Many times, the first thing we think of is to give them medications to treat their symptoms. But what is the best treatment for your child if they have a cough or cold? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you should not give children younger than two years of age cough or cold medication, as it could do more harm than good.

A recent report by the Pediatric Cough and Cold Safety Surveillance System, which tracks fatal child poisonings, found 40 deaths linked to medications. Of these medications, they found that the most concerning ones contained diphenhydramine, a common antihistamine found in cough medicines. This medication has a tendency to make people tired, but when given to young children, it can sometimes have an adverse reaction and act as a stimulant.

Medications with antihistamines should not be given to young children because there is very little evidence suggesting that it helps their cough or cold, and instead can cause dangerous side effects. For that reason, it is usually best for parents and caregivers to let the cough or cold run its course instead of using cough or cold over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

If you are concerned your child is not getting better, please contact your health care provider for more information. If you think your child might have accidentally taken too much medication or is having an adverse reaction to anything taken, please do not hesitate to call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222. Nurses and pharmacists are available to answer your calls around the clock for anything involving poisons.  They are always there to help you when you need it the most. 

What You Should Know When It Comes to Ivermectin Use in People

Since the pandemic started, people have been trying their best to stay healthy and not catch COVID-19. In recent months there has been a lot of information shared online and within the media about the use of ivermectin in humans. Some information is factual while other information is not. In this blog, we cover the basics of ivermectin and what you should know.

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is a medication primarily used in animals to kill parasites in the stomach. Many states require a prescription to purchase it, but in Texas, you can find this at a local feed store for horses and cattle (these are NOT approved for human use). When it comes to the use of this drug in humans, ivermectin is only FDA-approved as a prescription antiparasitic that assists in treating river blindness, strongyloidiasis, and onchocerciasis. A topical form can also be used to treat rosacea and head lice. Currently, it is not approved for the treatment of COVID-19.

Since the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 has been circling the internet, many have purchased ivermectin for use. The Texas Poison Center Network has received many calls. Some cases have resulted in severe toxicity. Toxicity can cause these symptoms:

·       Nausea and Vomiting

·       Diarrhea

·       Headache

·       Dizziness and Fatigue

·       Visual Changes

·       Skin Rashes

·       Low Blood Pressure

      Fast Heart Rate

In more severe cases, it can cause coma, seizures, hallucinations, and tremors. So, what is causing individuals to overdose on ivermectin? If you were to purchase ivermectin at a feed store, it might come in a paste format (usually flavored, too!). Keep in mind, this paste format is highly concentrated. Ivermectin is made for a horse or cow, weighing practically a ton more than the average human being. High doses such as this, when used in humans, are highly toxic.

If you or a loved one has come in contact with ivermectin, please reach out to the poison center for help. We have nurses and pharmacists who answer the phone around the clock. Take the time to save this number on your phone: 1-800-222-1222. 

The Dangers Associated with Blue-Green Algae

Recently, there has been more concern regarding blue-green algae and its effects on pets and, specifically, children. Blue-green algae can be found in standing water, like lakes, ponds, and other water systems known to be more stagnant.

What is Blue-Green Algae?

Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, grows in various bodies of water, especially nutrient-rich water. They get their name from their ability to create blooms so thick that it resembles blue-green paint covering the top of the water.

There are two forms of this type of algae (Anabaena and Microcystis) in Texas. Both conditions can cause taste and odor problems in the water. They also create toxins that are poisonous to fish and various other wildlife that drink the contaminated water. There have also been some occurrences of humans getting sick from insufficiently treated water.

It is best to avoid contact with water with visible algal growth.   Swimming in contaminated water and potentially swallowing it can be hazardous. If you are exposed, make sure to wash it off the skin thoroughly and dry the area as soon as possible.  

What are common symptoms of Blue-Green Algae poisoning?

If you suspect someone has ingested or come in contact with blue-green algae, don't hesitate to get in touch with the experts at the Texas Poison Center Network by calling 1-800-222-1222.

Common symptoms can include:

·       Headache

·       Stomach pains

·       Skin, eyes, nose, and throat irritation

·       Vomiting and diarrhea

·       Muscle weakness

·       Dizziness

For more information on blue-green algae and other poisonous substances, please visit the Texas Poison Center Network website at www.poisoncontrol.org. 

Dry Scooping and Why It is Not a Good Idea

A new challenge has surfaced on the internet having to do with a term called dry scooping. Various people on the internet have recorded themselves doing this as a challenge and then posting it on TikTok. This challenge is dangerous and not worth trying for likes or views. Here is what it is all about:

What is dry scooping?

Dry scooping It refers to taking a scoop of pre-workout powder (or sometimes protein powder) that is meant to be mixed with water, putting the scoop in their mouths, and swallowing it.

What are the potential concerns?

Worst case scenario, and it has already happened, is that it could kill you. When you’re consuming a concentrated blend of multiple ingredients, it is hard to tell how your body will react. Ingredients such as caffeine, creatine, B-vitamins, NO2-boosters, taurine, and branch chain amino acids, contribute to the potential dangers of this challenge. These individual ingredients can be safe in healthy people when taken as directed, meaning they've taken in the recommended serving and preparation.

However, even common ingredients such as caffeine can be a danger if taken in excess, causing jitteriness, an upset stomach, and an elevated heart rate, especially when taken undiluted and/or in greater amounts than directed.

There is no benefit to dry scooping, and individuals should refrain from attempting this TikTok challenge.

What if I try this and have unwanted effects?

If someone feels ill in any way after trying this challenge or any other social media challenge, do not hesitate to contact the poison center for help. All calls are answered by pharmacists, nurses, and toxicologists 24/7, seven days a week. Call us at 1-800-222-1222 and let us help you with your poison needs.

 

Pool Chemicals Should Always Be Kept Out of Reach

To keep pools clean, pool chemicals are added to the water to remove germs and bacteria. While these chemicals assist in keeping the water healthy for recreational use, they can be extremely dangerous if they are not handled or appropriately stored up and away from children.

Pool chemicals, such as chlorine and bromine, are added to protect swimmers from the spread of germs and prevent outbreaks. Other pool chemicals help disinfect, improve water quality, stop corrosion and scaling of equipment, and protect against algal growth. Keep in mind, pool chemicals can injure people when mixed, when not used according to label instructions, or when appropriate personal protective equipment is not used.

Here are some valuable tips to makes sure you and your family stay safe this summer and avoid chemical pool injuries.

·       Keep chemicals away from children by storing them up and away from a child’s reach.

 

·       When handling pool chemicals dress appropriately by wearing safety goggles and gloves or other protective gear.

 

·       Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area so that you do not breathe in any toxic fumes.

 

·       Follow the directions on the products exactly to minimize exposure or chemical accidents.

 

Remember, if you come in contact with pool chemicals or believe you might have been poisoned, please contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. For more information on pool chemical safety, please visit the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/index.html.

TPCN SPI SPOTLIGHT: Dallas SPI Ivan Barinas

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

My story with PCC started when a friend spoke to me about what a great experience had been working as a SPI. I honestly had no clue poison centers even existed, but after researching a bit about it I knew it could a great growing opportunity if I was given the slightest of the chances to serve as a SPI. 

Because of my medical background, I wanted to feel useful to society using what I've worked most of my life for, and what a great experience has been so far. I cannot find more words of gratitude towards life for allowing me to have this experience. I've only been here for almost 2 months now, but it feels like I was meant to be here from the very beginning. 

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 kind of always knew suicide rates were among the highest it's ever been since all this pandemic situation started, but you always get those rates from news sources, but when you have to be the one, they call to report on these cases, it's tough to assimilate the information at first. I remember not long ago, maybe one week ago, I received a call from a HCF about this 10-year-old girl taking a whole bottle of her mother's med Flexeril, trying to harm herself, and that story stuck with me for a few days. Luckily, the girl managed to survive the intent, but it made me ponder on how our youth is in desperate need of guidance. 

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

I honestly don't know the answer to this question, but if I may say something it is that maybe people don't realize how important our job is and how our decisions and recommendations make a real impact on people's lives. Maybe with time, I'll be able to answer this question in more detail. 

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

The unexpected, for sure.  I was longing for some thrill. 

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

It is important because we are the first line of defense, in many ways. 

When people call desperate for help, we get to be the ones to give a calming or soothing word, tell them that things will be ok, or maybe not some much ok, but we get to tell them what to do in X or Y situations, so the outcomes could be better than they could have been without our help. 

Why It is Critical for Parents to Know the Poison Control Number

 

We never truly know when a poison emergency will occur. It only takes one fast-moving baby and a bottle of gummy vitamins left out, for trouble to show up. Although many bottles have child-resistant lids, none of them are childproof. Accidents do happen, and that is why the Texas Poison Control Network exists- so that we can assist you in a poison emergency.

When we worry about poisons in the home, we automatically think of items you would usually find underneath a sink like cleaners and disinfectants. We do not always think about all the poisons that could potentially be floating around in mom or grandma’s purse, such as make-up and medications.  Once children get in these, they almost automatically put them in their mouths. That is why it is important to have potential poisons, of any kind, locked up and out of reach of children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 300 children are treated each day in an emergency room for a poison-related emergency. Most of the time, a call to a poison center for help would have saved them time and money. Save yourself a trip and call this number during a poison emergency: 1-800-222-1222. It will quickly connect you with a registered nurse, pharmacist, or physician, specially trained to help. 

Here are some quick and easy tips that can help:

·       Always be prepared: Save the Poison Help number in your phone.

·       Poison proof any room where your child spends time in, such as bedrooms, living room, and even the backyard.

·       Ensure your medications have child-resistant caps and put them out of sight and out of reach.

·       Keep your purse out of reach too!

·       When giving medication, make sure to follow directions and provide exact dosing as indicated on the label.  You never want to give more medication than what is recommended. 

·       Keep hazardous chemicals and items out of reach, such as disinfectants, pool cleaners, or insecticides. All these items can be incredibly dangerous for children if ingested.

Remember to call the poison center before googling for help. Simply because it is on the internet does not always make it true or the best course of action.  Turn to the experts for advice instead. Get the right answers you need when you need them, free of charge. The poison centers in Texas receive hundreds of calls each day and save people thousands of dollars, time, not to mention peace of mind- let us do the same for you.  Call us at 1-800-222-1222 next time you have a question or a poison emergency!

Take Advantage of National Drug Take Back Day on April 24, 2021

Do you have unused or expired medications at home lying around in cabinets that should no longer be used? Holding onto old or unused medications is not a good idea because all medications have an expiration date.  Not only should they not be used once expired, but if not disposed of, the wrong person could get a hold of them and potentially be poisoned. Now is the time to spring into action by cleaning out your medicine cabinets and getting rid of all your unneeded and/or expired medications.

On April 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is sponsoring a nation-wide drug take-back and in Texas, the Texas Poison Center Network is doing their part to assist. Safety is our number one concern! The National Prescription Drug Take-Back initiative addresses an important public safety and health issue. Prescription drugs that sit in medicine cabinets for a long period of time tend to be susceptible to misuse. By disposing of them properly and responsibly, this ensures that our families and communities are safer when it comes to prescription drug misuse.

Since the pandemic began over a year ago, prescription drug misuse is extremely high. By turning in unused and expired medications, you can help eliminate some of the potential for prescription misuse. Remember, medications should not be flushed down the toilet, unless it is indicated on the label, because they can affect the clean water supply. Instead of throwing unwanted or unneeded medications in the trash (where kids or others could get to them) or flushing them down the toilet (where it could contaminate the water), head to your nearest medication take-back location or pharmacy and drop them off.

Drug take-back days provide people with a free convenient way to dispose of medications in an environmentally responsible and safe way, and help keep the community safer too. For more information on this initiative or to find a collection site near you, please visit https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/.

You can also call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222 to gain more information on the safest way to dispose of medication and the best ways to store medication safely.  

Drug Take Back Video: https://www.facebook.com/SoutheastTXPC/videos/776145326342511

Poison Prevention Week 2021: Prepare. Prevent. Protect.

It has been an unprecedented past year for everyone, especially Texans. After over a year of working our way through a pandemic and fighting through an ice storm that knocked out over 5 million people’s power for days in February, we can say we have had a tough year.  The Texas Poison Centers have also seen a rise in calls, involving everything from hand sanitizers to different cleaning products, and even carbon monoxide poisoning. All of these calls are a reminder of how important the poison help line is to the community.

National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) is March 21^st-27^th, 2021. This year’s theme is Prepare. Prevent. Protect. 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. Poisonings are currently the leading cause of injury related death in the country.  Keep in mind that most poisonings are preventable. For those that are not, a poison expert is only a phone call away and ready to assist you. Save this number in your phone for when you need it: 1-800-222-1222.

Poison centers are an incredible resource when it comes to major public health emergencies and pandemics that keep families isolated in their homes for long periods at a time.  Poison centers not only assist the public with their poisoning concerns, but they also assist the first responders and hospital personnel while they are dealing with your poison emergency.  They even assist in identifying emerging threats, like new drugs of abuse hitting the streets or potentially dangerous products entering the market.  Poison center personnel also provide countless hours of educational outreach for both the public and healthcare professionals.

Here are some poison facts and tips to remember:

• 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 local poison center.  
• Keep all poisons locked up, away and out of reach of children.
• Never refer to medicine (prescription, vitamins or otherwise) as candy as children often mistake tiny pills for yummy candy.

If you believe you or someone you know has been exposed to a poison, remain calm and immediately call the toll-free Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Follow all the instructions you are given by the poison control specialist. For more information, visit the Texas Poison Center Network website at www.poisoncontrol.org.

Reminders of What We Learned in 2020

The year 2020 has served as an unparalleled time. The sudden emergence of COVID-19 left many
Americans concerned for their health and wellness. The Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) has also dealt with the repercussions of the pandemic and we’d like to share with you some of the top poison calls of 2020 in Texas.

• Hand Sanitizers: With over 2,500 calls involving hand sanitizer, it is safe to say people were using this more than ever in an effort to stay germ-free. An increase in use, makes for more potential accidents involving children getting into the sanitizers or other potential misuse. Hand sanitizers often contain alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol, an active ingredient that works as an antiseptic. Additionally, hand sanitizers often include other ingredients such as water, fragrance, and glycerin. For a list of unsafe hand sanitizers to avoid, visit this FDA link. Read more on hand sanitizer safety at our Hand sanitizer blog.
  
• Bleach and Cleaning Supplies: Texas Poison Centers received over 4,000 calls regarding bleach this year. Many of the calls involved the mixing of bleach with another cleaning agent. Mixing cleaners can cause harmful reactions that can be deadly. Check out our blog on this topic here.
• Melatonin: The TPCN had over 4,700 calls in 2020 for melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally by the body and many people take a melatonin supplement at night to help them fall asleep. Taking too much of supplemental melatonin can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Although relatively safe, it can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, diarrhea, joint pain, and sometimes seizures. Please consult your doctor to determine what is the right dosage for you.
• Vitamins (Multivitamins, and Vitamin D specifically): Many vitamins can be a cause of concern if too much is ingested. Too much vitamin C or zinc can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Too much selenium can lead to hair loss, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, and mild nerve damage. Please call poison help at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect a vitamin overdose.

The poison centers are always ready to take your call and assist with your poison emergency or questions. Whether you have a mix-up of medications or have a bite or sting from a critter, the poison centers can help. Over 90 percent of calls happen in the home, so it is important to have the poison number close by. Save this number in your phone: 1-800-222-1222. You never know when you might need it.