Electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes) are popular among adults and teens alike. Learn how to protect your children and teens from the dangers that these products pose.
Poison Safety Archive
Don’t Always Trust What You Read on the Internet
The best way to find out what to do if you think a poisoning or overdose has happened, only takes 10 key strokes. Dial 800-222-1222. You will speak directly with a poison expert.
Top 3 Poisons of 2017: Young Children
![Household cleaner with fruit pictured on label.](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cleaners.jpg)
Young children made up 40% of calls to the Maryland Poison Center in 2017. Learn more about the top three substances that had their parents and caregivers rushing to the phones.
Poison Myths Busted: Swallowed Something? Throw It Up!
![Bottle of Ipecac Syrup with a red X in a circle over top of it](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ipecac.jpg)
There’s a saying that what goes up, must come down. When it comes to poisons, many people think that what goes down must come up. But that is not true! Learn how forcing someone to throw up can actually be more dangerous than leaving a substance in the stomach.
Are essential oils dangerous?
![Essential oil bottles with flowers on a wooden surface](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Essential-oils-blog-size.png)
Essential oils are concentrated liquids that contain the fragrance (scent) of a plant. They are often removed from the plant and added to soaps, perfumes, air fresheners, and cleaning products. They are also used as flavorings in food and drinks.
The laundry pod challenge: why are teens doing it?
![laundry pods](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Blog-size-photos.png)
Poison centers in the US started receiving calls about exposures to single load laundry packets, more commonly known as laundry pods, in 2012. These exposures were most common in kids 5 and under. Since 2015, the number of exposures reported
‘Tis the season to be poisoned
![Snowflaxes on blue background with text reading "'Tis the season to be poisoned...a holiday poem"](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FINAL-poem-feature-image.png)
The holiday poem ‘Tis the Season to be Poisoned is back by popular demand! But, don’t let the humor distract you from its warning! There are plenty of ways to get in to trouble this season. Luckily poison experts are always
4 tips to protect your family this holiday season
![Grandparent and grandchild hugging wearing santa hats in front of a Christmas tree](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Grandparent-at-the-holidays.jpg)
The holidays should be a time of joy and family get-togethers. Don’t let a mishap with holiday items, medicine or food spoil the festivities. Here are some tips to keep everything merry and bright. Use Caution When Decorating. Holiday décor
Your Halloween candy wasn’t poisoned
![Parent Taking Children Trick Or Treating At Halloween](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/ThinkstockPhotos-519664846-1.jpg)
It’s almost time for every poison center’s favorite holiday: Halloween! From skeletons to bubbling witches brew, poisons are a featured part of many haunted celebrations. Fortunately that’s just fun and games. Here’s some information to ensure you have a non-toxic
What your babysitter needs to know about the poison center
![child on teens back who is sitting on floor playing with a puppy](https://blog.mdpoison.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Babysitter-teenager-smallest.png)
Trusting someone else to watch your child can be difficult. Know that the Maryland Poison Center has your back. Poisonings are most common in kids, and most of the time they happen at home. So before you go out for