Back to school season is officially here! Whether you’re heading back to campus or starting your very first semester, college life comes with plenty of exciting experiences. From living on your own for the first time and adjusting to new routines and environments, being a college student also comes with new responsibilities and potential poison risks. In this blog, we’ll discuss common poison exposures among college students and ways to prevent poisonings.
Poison Safety in Your Living Area
Carbon Monoxide
If you’re moving into an area that has a gas hot water heater, gas or fuel-burning heaters, clothes dryer, a fireplace, or wood stove, the first order of business is to check the area for a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is odorless and colorless, so the only way to detect it is with a carbon monoxide alarm. You can check to see if it is working properly by pressing the and replacing the batteries as needed. The alarm will sound when the button is pressed to confirm that it is in working condition. If the button is pressed and the alarm does not make a sound, the batteries may need replacing or the whole alarm may need replacing.
Cleaning Products
Before using a cleaning product, read the label and follow the directions. Keep this in mind when cleaning with others, like roommates. If you want to use more than one product in the same area, let the first product dry completely before using a second product. Certain cleaning products should never be mixed together or used at the same time because when mixed, they create harmful gas.
Cleaning products should also be kept in their original labeled containers and stored away from food and beverages to prevent dangerous mix-ups.
For more information on different kinds of cleaning products and tips to use them safely, read our Spring Cleaning blog.
Food Safety
Many college students living alone for the first time may also be learning how to cook for the first time.
Clean your hands, surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils before and after handling food, especially raw meat. Keep raw meats separate from any other food on different cutting boards and use separate utensils for each.
An essential kitchen tool for new cooks is a meat thermometer. All food should be cooked to its safe internal temperature. Different types of meat require different safe temperatures. Visit the Food Safety site for safe internal temperature guide.
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. After that, they should be thrown away. Leftovers can be kept in the freezer indefinitely as well.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a common part of college life for many students, especially when students are studying late or trying to stay focused during a busy day of classes and assignments. Coffee, energy drinks, tea, and even chocolate contain caffeine and can make you feel less tired and more alert. However, consuming too much caffeine can cause unwanted symptoms such as:
- Increased heart rate
- Jitters (arms and/or legs shaking)
- Nausea (upset stomach)
- Headache
The U.S Food and Drug Administration recommends healthy adults consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day. Before consuming anything containing caffeine, read the label to know how much caffeine is in it. Keep track of how much caffeine you are consuming throughout the day to prevent a caffeine overdose.
Be mindful when mixing caffeine with alcohol. Caffeine can change the effects of alcohol, potentially allowing the person to drink more which may lead to possible injury or overconsumption of alcohol.
For more information on caffeine, read our previously published caffeine blog.
Substances Used by Young Adults
Alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine are the most commonly used substances by teens and young adults. College students may also experience risk factors, such as academic or peer pressure, that can influence their substance use behaviors. Using any of these substances may pose health risks, with excessive use potentially leading to addiction.
Alcohol
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol is the most used substance among young people. Underage drinking is dangerous and can lead to misuse of other substances.
Before consuming alcohol, check the label of any medicine(s) you take for warnings about drinking alcohol while taking the medicine(s). For more information, read our Mixing Medicines with Alcohol blog.
Consuming too much alcohol is common but dangerous. Recognizing signs of drinking too much alcohol is important to help keep yourself and others safe.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Difficulty staying conscious or awake
- Breathing is noisy, slow, shallow, or has stopped
- Skin is blue, cold, or clammy. If a person has darker skin, check for pale lips or nail beds.
- Low body temperature
- Seizures
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. If you or someone else is experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911 right away. Otherwise, the Maryland Poison Center is available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 to provide guidance and answer questions about exposures.
Cannabis
Cannabis can be smoked, vaped, eaten, or consumed in drinks. Cannabis use has many effects on the body including:
- Impaired coordination – skills such as writing, walking, and talking may become difficult or take more time
- Impaired judgement – slower reaction time or taking more time to make decisions
- Altered mood
- Increased heart rate
Never drive after using cannabis as it impairs your perception, reaction time, and coordination.
Cannabis edibles and beverages often resemble regular snacks, desserts, or beverages. Make sure cannabis edibles and drinks are clearly labeled to prevent accidental consumption. It is also best practice to keep all cannabis products up, away, and out of sight to prevent people and pets from accidentally consuming them.
Cannabis edibles may also be difficult to dose. Always read the label of cannabis edibles to determine the recommended serving size. Pay close attention to the amount of THC per “piece” or serving size and be careful to not confuse it with the amount of THC in the entire package.
Consuming cannabis takes more time to take effect in the body. This is because it absorbs through the digestive system. Effects can take 30 minutes or more to begin showing after consuming. Only take the recommended amount and take into consideration the amount of time it take for effects to show.
For questions or exposures involving cannabis, call 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance.
Nicotine
Nicotine can be used through various devices such as e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and nicotine pouches. Some nicotine pouches even come in a range of flavors which can make their use more desirable and enjoyable. Nicotine is considered highly addictive, and users may experience cravings or withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it, depending on the amount and duration of their nicotine use.
The symptoms of nicotine toxicity depend on the amount of nicotine ingested. Mild symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
Severe symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Decreased heart rate
- Decreased blood pressure
If someone is experiencing life threatening symptoms, call 911 right away. Otherwise call the Maryland Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for help with unexpected symptoms after using these products.
Save the Poison Help Number – 1-800-222-1222 – in Your Phone
You never know when a poisoning may happen. The best way to be prepared is to save the Poison Help number – 1-800-222-1222 – in your phone or keep it somewhere visible.
Calling is faster than searching for answers online and will give you expert advice based on your exact situation. Calling the Maryland Poison Center is free, confidential, and available 24/7 for when the unexpected happens.
We hope you have a great and safe semester! The Maryland Poison Center is here to help with 24/7, free, and confidential expert advice if you ever need us. Call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a poison specialist.
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