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The pits of stone fruits like cherries naturally contain a cyanide-producing chemical. Small, unintentional ingestions of intact stone fruit pits generally do not cause harm. Crushing or chewing pits before swallowing can result in the release of cyanide. The use of stone fruit pits as complementary or alternative medicine is unsupported by scientific evidence.
Pregnant women with high blood lead levels can have high blood pressure, spontaneous abortion, small babies, and brain damage in the infant. All pregnant women with even one risk factor for lead poisoning should have a blood lead level done. Pregnant women with lead levels at or above 5 micrograms/deciliter must have further assessment and treatment.
The toxic effects of air fresheners differ depending on the formulation. Inhaling small amounts of most air fresheners is usually not dangerous. Swallowing the gel-type evaporative beads or reed diffuser solutions can cause serious effects. There are also concerns about the adverse effects of repeated air freshener use on the environment and the body’s health.
Shampoos contain ingredients ranging from detergents to conditioners to vitamins, botanicals, and even beer. Some are formulated to be mild enough for babies, some contain medically active ingredients. Shampoo is a minimally toxic product when used on the hair and scalp but can cause symptoms if swallowed or splashed in the eye.
Heroin, an addictive, illegal drug, can cause fatal overdoses. It is an opioid, a class of drugs that includes morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone, among others. Heroin use is increasing due to tighter controls on prescription opioids. Naloxone is the antidote for an acute overdose. Withdrawal should be medically supervised.
Berberine is a natural chemical found in certain plants, including goldenseal. Berberine is sometimes described as “Nature’s Ozempic” because of its reported beneficial effects on metabolism and blood sugar, but berberine is not the same as semaglutide (Ozempic). There is no standard dose of berberine, and berberine should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
Many types of lip products are available for cosmetic and medical purposes. They come in various colors, scents, and forms to fit the user’s needs and preferences. Despite how colorful and fragrant these products are, it is important that they are not eaten or swallowed.
The Paqui One Chip Challenge is a social media challenge that involves consumption of a spicy tortilla chip. The chip contains capsaicin, a compound found naturally in chili peppers. Capsaicin consumption typically causes mouth and throat pain but can also result in more serious health problems including heart attack and esophageal damage.
Even when hair dyes are used correctly, they can cause toxicity. Skin damage and allergic reactions are well documented. Eye exposure can cause a range of toxicities from mild irritation to loss of vision. Accidental swallowing can cause irritation or injury to the mouth and stomach as well as life-threatening allergic reactions.
Borates are naturally occurring compounds with a wide variety of uses, including in cleaning products, insecticides, and solutions for skin and eyes. Borates can come in a variety of forms, most commonly boric acid and borax. Follow product instructions when using borates. If someone ingests a borate, seek immediate medical attention.
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