Suicide Prevention

If you suspect someone you know is trying to hurt him or herself, the time to act is now.

Is White Mulberry Poisonous?

White mulberry is a leafy tree that grows across the United States. The leaves contain considerable amounts of fiber and protein, and white mulberry leaf extracts are used as a dietary supplement for management of blood sugar, weight, and other conditions. White mulberry is generally associated with few adverse effects in humans.

Poisoning Statistics, 2023

In 2023, the 55 US poison control centers (Poison Control) provided telephone guidance for nearly 2.1 million human poison exposures. That's about 6.2 poison exposures/1,000 population, 32.1 poison exposures in children younger than 6 years/1,000 children, and 1 poison exposure reported to US poison control centers every 15 seconds.

What is Lead Poisoning?

There are many sources of lead poisoning, including environmental and occupational causes. Poisoning is usually due to lead ingestion or inhalation. Lead poisoning causes multi-organ toxicity, especially of the nervous system and kidneys. If lead concentrations in the blood are high, chelating drugs can be given to reduce the burden of lead in the body.

Is Vicks VapoRub safe?

Vicks VapoRub has been used for many years as a cough and cold remedy. While this product is relatively safe to use when applied to the skin as directed on the package label, it should not be consumed or applied to the insides of the eyes, ears, or nose. To reduce the risk of burns and serious tissue damage, Vicks VapoRub should never be heated in a microwave.

Autumn Poison Prevention

Check out our tips and articles for preventing poisonings in autumn.

Inhalant Abuse - New Study Findings

Most inhalant abusers, though not all, are in their teens. Thousands of household products have been abused by inhalation. Only 25 percent of inhalant abusers treated in emergency room had no effects; many others suffered serious effects or died.

Cocoa Bean Mulch Can Poison Dogs

Cocoa bean mulch contains theobromine and caffeine, just like chocolate. These chemicals are poisonous to dogs. Dogs who swallow cocoa bean mulch could have vomiting, diarrhea, a very fast heart rate, tremors and seizures. Death is uncommon but has happened. It's impossible to tell how much cocoa bean mulch might be poisonous.