Autumn Poison Prevention

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

Blister Beetles: Do Not Touch!

Blister beetles excrete a toxic blistering agent called cantharidin, which can cause irritation and blistering when it comes in contact with the eyes, skin, mouth, throat, or digestive tract. The irritation and blisters that form can be painful but usually are not life-threatening. Blister beetles are notorious for their ancient use as an aphrodisiac. Not only is such use groundless, it can also be fatal.

Mouse and Rat Poisons

Pesticides to kill mice, rats, and other rodents can also harm humans (and pets). Anticoagulant rodenticides are often used. These can cause bleeding if they are eaten on a regular basis (for example, a child nibbling at a bait station).

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is important for healthy bone function and may have effects on other disease processes. Vitamin D deficiency is common, especially in people who do not have regular exposure to sunlight or who have chronic medical conditions. Use of vitamin D supplements can help improve vitamin D levels in deficient individuals.

Protect the Water Supply

There are many ways for drugs and personal care products to enter ground water and surface water, which include water that we drink and use for recreation. Federal guidelines for safe disposal of medicines aim to prevent unintentional poisonings, misuse and diversion of discarded drugs, and to keep drugs within engineered landfills, instead of in the water supply.

Poisoning Statistics, 2014

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

Safety and Benefits of Lutein

Lutein, a nutrient found mainly in leafy green vegetables, is thought to protect against light-induced retina damage. While some studies show positive results from lutein use, more research is needed to determine its definitive benefits and safety.

Can borax treat inflammation?

Borax is a mineral-based compound that contains boron. It is commonly used as an industrial chemical, food preservative, and household cleaning product. Borax is not intended for human consumption, and may cause toxic effects when swallowed, inhaled, or applied to the skin. There is minimal evidence supporting the use of borax as an anti-inflammatory agent in humans.

Is Baby Oil Safe?

Baby oil contains mineral oil, which is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Its main use is to moisturize the skin and keep it soft. Ingestion of baby oil is usually minimally toxic, but can cause diarrhea. A more serious complication is aspiration pneumonia, which occurs if baby oil is breathed into the lungs when swallowed.

Poisoning Statistics, 2017

Poison statistics for the Washington, DC metro area (2017)

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