The spotted lanternfly is an insect species native to parts of China and Vietnam. The insect itself does not bite or sting. It is not known to be toxic to humans but could cause upset stomach if ingested. Potential side effects of ingesting small amounts of spotted lanternflies are nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. These symptoms are self-limited and do not typically require treatment.
Find out more
Blastomycosis is a rare fungal infection that can affect children, adults, and animals. Blastomycosis is caused by exposure to Blastomyces, a fungal species that lives in soil, decaying leaves, and wooded areas. Symptoms of blastomycosis include coughing, fevers, and fatigue. Treatment involves oral or intravenous antifungal medications.
Find out more
Windshield washer fluid contains methanol. If swallowed, methanol can cause blindness and death. Prompt treatment can reduce the toxicity of methanol.
Find out more
Ant stings are common but rarely serious unless they are from imported fire ants. Problems can occur with multiple stings or with allergic reactions.
Find out more
Siphoning gasoline can lead to aspiration, gasoline entering the lungs. This can cause pneumonia, coma, and death.
Find out more
Rattlesnakes are a type of venomous pit viper found in many areas of the US. The most common symptoms of a rattlesnake bite are pain and swelling of the affected area, but more severe symptoms, such as bleeding and muscle weakness, can occur. Many rattlesnake bites require hospitalization and treatment with antivenom.
Find out more
While local spikes in radiation have been measured in the region around Chernobyl from soil disturbances due to the conflict in Ukraine, the increases in radiation do not pose any significant health risks for most individuals.
Find out more
Amphibians—frogs, newts, toads, and salamanders—are equipped with defense mechanisms deserving of much caution. Some of the potent toxins they produce include digoxin, tryptamines, and tetrodotoxin. These can cause a variety of symptoms such as irregular heart rhythm, dizziness, cardiac arrest, and paralysis. Frogs and toads are also known to spread Salmonella to humans.
Find out more
Motor oil can be very harmful if swallowed and aspirated into the lungs. Patients with respiratory symptoms after ingesting motor oil need to go to an ER for help. Used motor oil has contaminants, but a one-time exposure is unlikely to cause toxicity.
Find out more
The flowering stems of many wild grasses have a unique foxtail-like shape that allows them to be easily inhaled by humans or animals. The inhalation—also known as aspiration—of wild grass can cause coughing, respiratory irritation, and lung disease, such as pneumonia, which can be very difficult to diagnose and treat.
Find out more