Tag: Poison control

Even a small amount of swallowed tobacco can cause serious health problems, particularly in children and pets. Knowing what happens if tobacco is eaten is crucial, as the potent nicotine and other toxic compounds can lead to rapid and dangerous poisoning, necessitating immediate medical intervention to prevent severe consequences.

Despite popular myths, milk is not a universal antidote for poison and can sometimes worsen conditions like acid reflux. While it offers temporary relief for mild irritation, its long-term effects and ineffectiveness against toxins are critical to understand.

Despite its ornamental beauty and use in pharmaceutical applications, all parts of the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) are highly toxic if ingested. This plant contains powerful poisonous chemicals known as vinca alkaloids, which can lead to severe health issues and even be fatal.

Over 100,000 Americans visit the emergency department each year for carbon monoxide poisoning, with many cases linked to the improper use of charcoal. Given these risks, it is critical to understand why consuming charcoal briquettes is not safe, and what separates them from the medically approved, activated form.

According to the World Health Organization, activated charcoal is approved for emergency treatment in cases of poisoning and overdose. However, the real question for everyday wellness is: are charcoal tablets worth it for minor digestive issues, detox, and other advertised benefits?

According to chemical safety data sheets, ingesting concentrated sodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash, can cause severe internal burns and poisoning. Despite its name, this substance is a strong alkaline industrial chemical, and there are absolutely no legitimate health benefits of drinking soda ash.

The FDA lists panthenol as 'Generally Regarded as Safe' when used as a food supplement, but this designation does not apply to topical cosmetic products. Drinking panthenol-containing creams, lotions, or hair products is highly dangerous due to the other chemical ingredients they contain, not just the provitamin B5 itself.

According to Safety Data Sheets, mineral spirits are harmful or fatal if swallowed and can cause severe lung damage. As a petroleum-derived solvent used in many household and industrial products, it is highly toxic and should never be consumed under any circumstances.

Over 50,000 instances of vitamin toxicity were reported to US poison control centers in 2021, highlighting that an overdose on supplements is a real risk. While generally safe when used as directed, an accidental overdose of multivitamins can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild digestive issues to more severe, long-term health complications.

According to the ASPCA, chocolate is one of the most common causes of poisoning in pets, with baking chocolate posing the highest risk due to its concentrated levels of theobromine. The experience of this toxicity is distressing and can range from mild digestive upset to severe, life-threatening cardiovascular and neurological complications.