As the air turns crisp and days become shorter, many of us are drawn to the warmth of furnaces, crackle of a fireplace and familiar smell of home-baked treats. Along with the comforts of fall, there are two things most of us don’t think about but should: carbon monoxide and natural gas. With cooler weather … more
Water beads love water. These superabsorbent toys grow many times their original size when placed in water, to the delight of many children. Before water beads get wet, they look like colorful hard candies or necklace beads. Small children, who can pick up and place small things in their mouths, are at serious risk of … more
Who likes gummies, chocolate, candy, cookies or brownies? We do! We do! While most everyone loves sweet treats, curious and hungry toddlers are most prone to get into trouble when finding a treat that’s actually a cannabis product. The number of unintentional exposures to cannabis edibles, especially gummies, has increased since Illinois legalized cannabis products … more
Who’s ready for a road trip! Spring, summer, fall or winter—there’s no bad time to explore new places and visit family and old friends. With all the excitement of hitting the road, it’s easy to let your guard down when it comes to poison prevention. But mishaps can happen when you’re packing and on the … more
Foodie, newbie or old pro? Whether you’re preparing your first holiday feast or your 15th, there’s a lot to consider. Most home cooks want to serve a meal that wows even the most hard-to-please guest. There’s another way to make them happy, though: Don’t make them sick… as nothing can ruin a holiday get-together more … more
Do you have high-powered magnet toys or kits at home? Are you considering buying these magnet toys or kits for kids to create pyramids or other creations? If so, be exceedingly careful if you have children in the home as these products can pose a significant danger if swallowed. Why small high-powered magnets can turn … more
A common reaction many people have when a child ingests something potentially harmful is to make them throw up. Our parents did it and it seems like a natural instinct, but inducing vomiting is not always the best course of action. Historically, we would make children vomit with syrup of ipecac (SOI). The idea was … more
From the sizzle of barbecues to the colorful explosions in the night sky, the Fourth of July holiday is filled with excitement and joy. As you gear up to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends, it’s important to be mindful of potential poisoning hazards that can occur. IPC is sharing some of the most … more
Every year in Illinois, the glorious days of summer lead to the cooler days of fall and eventually the bone-chilling cold of winter. Hats, scarves, thick coats and gloves become a necessity when venturing outside. To keep our indoor spaces comfortable, the indoor thermostats are inched a little warmer and furnaces start to work more … more
It has been a long winter and most Illinoisans are ready for summer and back yard barbeque season. This summer will be a time for many of us to reconnect with family and friends with large gatherings, food, fun and laughter. However, nothing can ruin a party more than an outbreak of food-borne illness among … more
Summer is here! Concerts, county fairs and parties are back after more than a year of social distancing and isolation. For some people, the recreational use and misuse of prescription medications is part of the summer party experience. Unfortunately, if you get a pill online or from a friend of a friend, it is likely … more
