Are Plastics Toxic?

Ingested plastic is not toxic. If you swallow a small piece, it should pass through your digestive system without causing harm. If you choke on the piece of plastic or it gets stuck in your throat or esophagus, you may experience difficulty breathing or chest pain. If the piece of plastic is sharp, it could cut somewhere along your digestive tract, which can cause bleeding.

Poisoning Statistics, 2014

Poison statistics for the Washington, DC metro area (2014)

Generic Drugs versus Brand Name Drugs

Generic medicines have the same active ingredients and effects as brand name medicines, but they may be a different color, shape, or size. For many years, U.S. law has required that generic drugs look different from brand names. Many different drug companies may make versions of the same medicine. Generic drugs are less expensive than brand name drugs.

Is it Safe to Take Paxlovid with My Other Medications?

Paxlovid is an oral medication that recently received emergency use authorization from the FDA to prevent severe COVID-19 infection in high-risk individuals who test positive for the virus. While it is generally well tolerated, Paxlovid interacts with many commonly used medications, which can lead to toxicity.

Pokeberries: A Grape Look Alike

Pokeberries are found in grape-like clusters on tall perennials with purple-red stems. Eating several berries can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Adults have eaten the roots, mistaking them for medicinal plants. Serious symptoms have subsequently occurred, including bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and low blood pressure.

Stormy Weather Poison Prevention

Check out our tips and articles for preventing poisonings during stormy weather.

Use Acetaminophen Safely

Acetaminophen is a safe and effective pain reliever when taken according to label instructions. But in overdose, it is a leading cause of liver damage and death.

First Aid for Poisonings

First aid instructions for poisonings. Be familiar with first aid steps for swallowed poisons, poisons in the eye, on the skin, or inhaled (breathed in). Call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate help with webPOISONCONTROL®, the online tool from the experts at Poison Control.