Help and FAQs: For online Poison Control and calls to poison centers

Two ways to get help for a poison exposure:

Both options are free and confidential. Both options give you expert answers.

If the individual collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened: Call 911 IMMEDIATELY.

What's a "poison exposure"?

Toxicologists use the term "poison exposure" instead of "poisoning" to refer to an incident involving a person who swallows or comes in contact with a substance that might be poisonous. Contact could be swallowing, splashed in the eyes or on the skin, breathed in, or injected, or even a bite or sting. Often the substance isn't as toxic as one initially thought it might be, or the amount taken is so low that no bad effect is expected. Since symptoms may not develop, technically these exposures can't be called "poisonings."

When can I use the webPOISONCONTROL tool?

If you took too much of a medicine, swallowed something that might be poisonous, splashed a product on your eye or skin, inhaled fumes or had a bite or sting, webPOISONCONTROL can help you decide if it's safe to stay home, or if a call to a poison center or visit to an emergency room is required. Use webPOISONCONTROL if the exposed person meets all these criteria:

• No life-threatening symptoms. If the individual collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened, call 911 right away.

• Most substances. webPOISONCONTROL can help whether it's a drug or medicine, household product, flower, leaf, berry, seed, bite or sting, injected pharmaceutical, or an inhaled gas.

• Just one substance. The drug or product can have multiple ingredients, but webPOISONCONTROL doesn't handle simultaneous exposures to multiple drugs or products. We expect to develop the logic needed to address additive effects, soon.

• Not self-harm. When the intent is self-harm, immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider, usually in an ER, is always advised.  

• Age 6 months to 79 years. Special issues arise in the very young or in older adults.

• Not pregnant. The tool does not address risks to the fetus or the pregnant mom.

• Not a pet. Don't use this tool for your pets! Toxicity differs between species.

In August 2016, The American Journal of Emergency Medicine published an article titled "webPOISONCONTROL: can poison control be automated?" The article analyzed the first 9,256 webPOISONCONTROL cases. The study found the app is safe, quick and easy to use.

When should I call a poison center, instead?

Call a poison center instead if:

• Younger than 6 months or older than 79 years

• Pregnant

• Struggling with self-harm

• Exposed to more than one product or substance

• A pet is exposed

If this tool doesn't address your problem, or if you'd rather talk to a real person, don't hesitate to call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222 (US only) for immediate and expert assistance. While many people feel empowered by the online triage tool, you may prefer the calming voice of a specialist.

How long does it take to enter my case and get a recommendation?

It usually takes less than 3 minutes to get a recommendation online (median time: 2 min 16 sec). It could take a bit longer if you don't know the age or weight of the exposed person, the name of the product, or the amount involved.

Is there a charge?

Use of the webPOISONCONTROL tool is free whether you use it through your browser or download the app to your mobile device or tablet.

What information will I need to provide?

The webPOISONCONTROL tool determines how dangerous an exposure is based on the information you give us. You'll be asked to provide the following:

• Substance (product name and strength if it is a medication)

• Amount 

• Age

• Weight 

• Time since exposure

• Symptoms

• Zip code

• Email

Why am I asked for a zip code and email address?

We ask for your zip code (if you don't allow geolocation) so we can get your case to the right call center in case more help is needed. Your poison center can assist you more quickly if their poison experts have access to a summary of your case. (Not all poison centers participate.)

We use your email address to follow-up with you to make sure that everything is OK. Based on the substance and time since the exposure, we'll tell you when you should expect emails from us. Most of those emails will be in the first day or two after the exposure occurred. Once you are beyond the point of any risk from the substance, based on what we know about the timing of effects from that substance, we'll stop sending emails. We promise! 

You will never be asked to enter your name, mailing address, or phone number.

How is my case summary and personal information used?

We protect your privacy. You case information resides within our application and is handled as confidential medical information. That's a double layer of privacy protection because we don't even know your name, address or phone number. We share your blinded case information with your local poison center, but if you are sent to an ER or admitted to a hospital, your local poison center may share the information you give them with the doctors and nurses who are taking care of you in order to facilitate your care.  We will never use your information for commercial purposes. (See our Privacy Policy for more information.)

What if I am unsure of the product, the amount, or something else?

We try to help you through the assessment process by providing you with pictures of the product, helping you narrow down unknown weights or amounts, displaying a summary of what you told us, and asking additional questions when you are unsure how to respond. 

• If you aren't sure of the amount but can provide a reasonable estimate, always estimate high to be safest. 

• If you aren't sure of the weight of the exposed person but can provide a reasonable estimate, always estimate low to be safe. Of course, if you have a scale, use it!

In some cases it may be easier to call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222 (US only), for example, if you don't know what product or substance was involved.

How do I order poison prevention stickers, magnets, or other materials?

Most US poison centers provide free phone stickers, refrigerator magnets, and poison prevention brochures and posters, but provide them only for residents of their designated service area. Use our materials order directory or call 1-800-222-1222 to reach your poison center and ask for ordering instructions for your state.