The Poison Post - Summer 2008 Edition

The Poison Post™

National Capital Poison Center eNewsletter

Summer 2008 Edition

Corn Oil? Torch Fuel? Apple Juice?

Which is Which?

An 84-year-old woman died after a family member poured torch fuel into a glass. She drank it, thinking it was apple juice. An eight-year-old girl has permanent lung damage after making the same mistake. Several other people also drank torch fuel, mistaking it for juice or another drink.

A look at the photos tells much of the story. These products look alike in the bottle. The liquid is the same color, the bottles are of similar heights, and the caps look alike. And when poured out of their bottles, it's impossible to tell the difference.

Torch fuel, sometimes called torch oil, is poured into many varieties of "tiki torches" or "patio torches" used for outdoor lighting in warm weather. Many merchants sell them in bamboo or metal. The "torch" or lantern portion sits on top of a long pole that is usually put into the ground or a bucket of sand. The torch fuel may contain an insect repellant such as citronella or lemon grass.

If swallowed, torch fuel can easily slide down into the lungs instead of going into the stomach. This causes pneumonia and also prevents the lungs from absorbing oxygen. Even small amounts in the lungs can be life-threatening or fatal.

Don't make a fatal mistake!

Store poisons and food in different places.
Do NOT put poisons into food containers. Keep poisons in their original containers.
Put the child-resistant cap firmly back in place after using torch fuel or other products.
Read the label before eating, drinking, or taking medicine. Be sure it's the right thing BEFORE you put it into your mouth!

If you do make a mistake - with torch fuel or anything else - call the Poison Center right away. Around the clock, the experts at 1-800-222-1222 will tell you exactly what to do.

In This Issue

A Fatal Mistake - Torch Fuel

How Much Caffeine Is In That?

Take the Number on the Road

Don't Invite the Death Angel to Dinner

How Much Caffeine Is In That?

An ordinary, old-fashioned cup of coffee has about 60 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. Drink an extra-large hot or cold coffee from the corner coffee shop, add an expresso shot, and you're drinking more than 400 mg of caffeine. Read on about the line between enough and too much...

Take the Poison
Center Phone

Number on the Road

Wherever you travel in the United States, a Poison Center is close by. Call 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Help from anywhere in the United States and your call will be answered by one of the country's 61 Poison Centers. Poison Centers around the country are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you!

If you would like a sticker with the Poison Center's telephone number, and you live in the Washington, DC metro area, call 202-362-3867. The stickers are free, and could save a life! (Magnets available too if you prefer.)

Don't Invite "The Death Angel" to Dinner!

Wild mushrooms are abundant throughout the Washington, DC area, especially after a rainy spell. Some of these mushrooms are dangerous to eat; a few can even kill you. One type of mushroom, Amanita virosa, is so dangerous that it is called "the death angel".

How can you tell the difference between an edible wild mushroom and a poisonous one? Read on...

The National Capital Poison Center depends on generous contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations. In addition, partial funding is provided through grants and contracts from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the State of Maryland, the Department of Health of the District of Columbia, the United Way of the National Capital Area, and the Combined Federal Campaign.