Have you heard of the African Gaboon Viper? This highly venomous, non-native snake was the subject of a 2 a.m. call from a hospital some years ago. Luck was not on the side of the person it bit, as this very rare snake isn’t typically found in the U.S. When we got the call, our … more
Sit, stay, heel… but what about, “Don’t touch that! It might be poisonous!”? Long summer days mean more time for everyone to spend outside—including our furry, fluffy and curious canine companions. With summer comes unique situations that might cause your dog harm. We turned to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) for their guidance … more
Have you ever been dared or challenged to do something that seemed harmless but turned out to be risky? If so, you’re not alone. Sometimes people feel pressured to accept a challenge that involves eating or drinking large amounts of something – often common products around the house. Participating in a challenge, though, could put … more
Feeling overheated under the hot summer sun is a common experience. But for some people, experiencing a spike in body temperature—known as hyperthermia—can result from taking certain medications. A recent medical journal article discussed a case of a person whose body temperature reached 104 degrees Fahrenheit while on multiple medications. Fortunately, this patient recovered but … more
Life is busy, sometimes hectic, and mistakes happen. We know! That’s why we’re here to help you avoid those uh-oh moments we’ve heard time and time again. Callers to IPC’s helpline have sought our advice for so many different potentially harmful cases. But when we hear about the same scenarios regularly, we have learned that … more
If you answered the question above with, “Call the Illinois Poison Center (IPC),” that is a great answer! According to the National Poison Data System (NPDS), 260,000 cases reported to U.S. regional poison centers every year involve medication errors. With nearly 1 out of every 8 cases handled by poison centers involving a medication error, … more
Basements, attics, furnace rooms, barns, sheds/garages…you never know where seriously scary poisons will show up. Some of these poisons have been banned for decades in the U.S. (or used under very tight restrictions) but still available in other areas of the world. Every once in a while, the IPC gets called because someone brought a … more
Mushrooms, fungi, toadstools—no matter what you call them, you have probably seen them growing in your yard and everywhere you travel. They come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes—not to mention smells—and range from edible delicacy to deadly poisonous. Illinois certainly has its share of wild, funky, as well as poisonous mushrooms found throughout … more
New words of advice from the IPC: Best to know before you go or in this case, get it on (if you know what we mean)! Sorry to tell you, but some potentially toxic/harmful substances can be transmitted via intimate, physical contact as well as by exposure to bodily fluids. The good news…here’s your chance … more
Did you know that the skin is not a tissue? It’s actually the largest organ of the body. Skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, specialized nerve endings as well as sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system, which has three main functions: protection, regulation and sensation. Here are some other fascinating facts: Your … more
Ahhh, you’ve finally made plans to kick back and relax with a warm aromatherapy soak, or maybe an icy pitcher of margaritas outdoors…but beware! The citrus that you use might just change your chill to a shrill (image credit).
