The 3rd week in March has been designated as National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) by each and every President since John F. Kennedy started the tradition in 1962. The Illinois Poison Center is a strong advocate of poison prevention and has worked with the Governor, Legislature and City of Chicago to have the entire month of … more
For children ages 18-36 months, poisoning is the #1 cause of injury-related hospitalization and death In Illinois, there are more people hospitalized for poisonings than for injuries from firearms and motor vehicle collisions combined 9 out of 10 poisoning deaths are caused by drugs/medications As the nation’s oldest poison center prepares to kick off its … more
We’ve come to the final segment of our four-part “Meet the IPC Expert” series. Our staff of experts answered over 86,000 calls from the general public and healthcare professionals in Illinois last year. In their own words, learn about their professional background, favorite parts of the job, most interesting cases, and even learn what they enjoy … more
Happy Illinois Poison Prevention Month This week we continue our “Meet the IPC Experts” series with the second installment of our four part series. Our staff of experts answered over 86,000 calls from the general public and healthcare professionals in Illinois last year. In their own words, learn more about their professional background, favorite parts … more
Calling the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) during an emergency can be a very stressful experience. As a parent calling about your child, your only concern is your child’s well-being; as a nurse or physician calling about a patient in your care, your focus is ensuring the best outcome for that patient. Even in a situation … more
Say the word “poison” and most people conjure up an image of chemicals in a container marked with a skull and cross-bones, arsenic or even Agent Orange. But these are only a few of the thousands of substances the experts in the call center deal with that involve children and adults of all ages, ethnicities … more
The IPC managed nearly 77,000 exposures in 2011, and nearly 75% of these came from calls from the general public. In addition to providing expert recommendations and treatment advice, our IPC specialists collect information as well. If you have ever called the IPC, you may have balked at our request for certain personal information – … more
It won’t make you prettier. It won’t make you wealthier. It WILL make you feel good, because you’ll be automatically helping The Illinois Poison Center It is believed that Americans spend nearly 2 billion dollars shopping online each year. One of the busiest shopping days is soon approaching: Valentine’s Day. Why not give something that … more
No, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is not a clandestine arm of the CIA, FBI, or KGB. However, it is staffed by a team of well qualified “SPIs” around the clock. So, what exactly is a SPI you ask?
If that second cup of coffee you just had doesn’t keep you awake tonight, here’s something that might. A recent issue of Pediatrics reviewed the effects of caffeine and energy drinks on children, adolescents, and young adults and found several concerning conclusions. Did you know that over 500 new energy drink products were marketed worldwide … more
Poisoning still remains a very serious public health problem in the United States. People encounter poisonous and toxic substances in their homes, communities, and work environments every day. Did you know unintentional poisoning deaths are the #1 cause of injury-related deaths for children ages 18-36 months and the 2nd leading cause of injury-related deaths for U. S. adults? … more
Mr. Yuk is green, Mr. Yuk is mean! The logo and the saying are a part of poison prevention lore. Created in Pittsburgh in 1971 (yes, 2011 is the 40th anniversary of the iconic logo), it was to replace the more traditional poison symbol of the skull and crossbones . . . a symbol … more
This year’s slogan says it all: “If you shouldn’t have taken it, eaten it, touched it or let it bite you, call the experts who can help…1.800.222.1222.”
