Cat Bites and Scratches

Bites and scratches from a healthy-appearing cat can make you sick. Always tell your healthcare provider about cat bites and scratches if you have unexplained symptoms, especially fever.

Everything You Need to Know About Snakebites

The beginning of warmer weather is the beginning of snakebite season. Many of these bites occur around people's homes, but bites can occur anywhere. While there are several species of venomous snakes in the United States, the majority of domestic snakes are not venomous. Be sure to call Poison Control or seek medical attention if someone is bitten.

Bug Off: Getting the Facts on Insecticides

Insecticides are chemicals that kill insects by various mechanisms. Depending on the insecticide, you may experience toxicity from ingestion, contact with skin or eyes, or inhalation. Toxicity might occur following a single acute event, as well as a short- or long-term exposure. If you are concerned about insecticide exposure, call Poison Control to find out your toxicity risk and if you need medical treatment.

Press Release

Press Release: National Capital Poison Center Announces Closure of its Call Center and Transition to the Nation’s First Fully-Automated, All-Digital Poison Control Center

Poison prevention downloads

Help us promote poison safety. Poison prevention videos, posters, and brochures are available for download. Materials and images are for educational use.

Spread the Word about Our Life-saving Tool

webPOISONCONTROL® is the first online triage tool and app to provide individualized guidance for poison emergencies. It was developed by the National Capital Poison Center. webPOISONCONTROL guides users faced with a poison emergency through a series of simple questions leading to action recommendations.

What Happens When You Swallow Eye Drops?

Over-the-counter anti-redness eyedrops are used to treat irritated, red eyes. When consumed by mouth, they can result in serious toxicity and even death.

Treating and Preventing Opioid Overdose

When it comes to the opioid epidemic, we can all have a positive impact regardless of our social, economic, or professional status. It is important to practice safe medication use, storage, and disposal to prevent poisoning. By learning how to use the opioid reversal agent naloxone, you could save a life. Learn more by listening to our podcast, Poison!.