Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun. Most skin cancers are… Read More

Household cleaners and disinfectants contain powerful ingredients to clean our environments and keep our homes healthy. These products should be handled with care to prevent exposure to fumes, spills and splashes, and accidental ingestion. Safe storage and handling of household… Read More

Creatine and caffeine are two of the most used performance enhancing substances. Creatine is produced naturally by our body, and it is also found in protein-containing foods such as meat and fish. Creatine increases the energy that our muscles can… Read More

April showers don’t only bring May flowers—snakes come out of hibernation in the Spring. They are most active between the months of April and October. There are seven types of venomous snakes that inhabit the state of Georgia: the Timber… Read More

The start of Spring and Summer seasons means thunderstorms are brewing. When a bad thunderstorm causes a power outage, you may rely on a generator to power your home. Generators are great, generally safe tools when used correctly, but if… Read More

Spring has sprung, which means it’s time for spring cleaning! Many household cleaning products contain ingredients that are dangerous if accidentally ingested. Specifically, products that contain acids can cause injury to the throat and stomach if swallowed. Common cleaning products… Read More

Situation:  Carbon monoxide poisoning associated with hookah use and preparation In recent months, the Georgia Poison Center has been notified of two cases of carbon monoxide poisoning among hookah lounge employees.   Background:  How can carbon monoxide poisoning result from… Read More

One of the most recognizable signs of the holidays is the plant Euphorbia pulcherrima, or commonly known as “poinsettia” (pictured on the left). The poinsettia derives its name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States (US) Minister to Mexico,… Read More

If you and your family are preparing a turkey for thanksgiving or a holiday meal, it is important to know that turkey and its juice can be contaminated with germs that can make you and your family sick (e.g., Salmonella, Clostridium… Read More

The autumn and holiday season is often accompanied by an assortment of food and drinks, including a variety of festive alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks may have pretty colors or be mixed with ice cream, making these beverages more appealing to… Read More

Schools are almost back in session. Parents should remind their young children that markers, crayons, glue, glitter, and other school supplies belong on paper, not in their mouths. Your children should always be supervised when using supplies because they can… Read More

Pesticides and lawn products constitute one of the most dangerous summer related potential exposures. Taking care of our lawns and gardens is something many of us take pride in. However, it’s important to keep in mind the potential dangers of… Read More

Summer time is the best time for bubble machines and wands. This classic summer toy is considered minimally toxic. While the soap solution is unlikely to cause significant problems it can upset the stomach causing vomiting or diarrhea and loose… Read More

Most ingestions regarding chalk are related to children and pets eating it. The bright colors and playful environment tempts them to eat small amounts of either sidewalk color chalk or white blackboard chalk. Both kinds of chalk are made from… Read More

Tiki torch lighter fluid and lamp oils are all generally chemicals that fall under a class of materials called hydrocarbons. When ingested, if they make it into the stomach, hydrocarbons are generally not dangerous in small quantities. However, large quantities… Read More

This medication is generally used alone or in combination with other medications to lower blood pressure, treat ADHD, or manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Via certain pathways this medication lowers the strength of the out flowing signal from the brain… Read More

TCAs are a group of antidepressant medications used for a wide range of conditions. They can be used to treat conditions such as anxiety, panic, bulimia, and most commonly depression or chronic pain. Each medication in this class is slightly… Read More

Gout is pain often caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in major joins such as the knee and big toe. Colchicine is a medication that works to decrease the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and… Read More

As the weather warms, gardens and yards everywhere will begin to bloom. It is so important to know the names of your indoor and outdoor plants and find out if they are poisonous. Keep all poisonous plants, bulbs, seeds and… Read More

The main ingredient in chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite. Chlorine bleach can be purchased on it’s own or in combination cleaning products such as bleach, disinfectants, and pool chemicals. When combined with ammonia, it can create a toxic vapor call… Read More