Button batteries are tiny, but dangerous. They are found in toys, remote controls, hearing aids, watches, musical greeting cards, calculators, and other electronic devices. Many button batteries are smaller than a quarter. Because of their small size, a button battery can be easily swallowed by a child without a parent realizing.
Safe Medicine Disposal
Keeping unused or expired medicines in your home is dangerous. If your doctor tells you to stop taking a medicine, promptly dispose of it to help prevent a medicine error. Make it a habit to regularly dispose of unused and expired medicines.
Fall Poison Safety
Each season comes with different poison hazards that we need to keep in mind. Although we are still coping with COVID-19, poisonings continue to happen. Below, we share some tips to help you stay poison safe during the fall season.
Poison Emergency Preparedness
September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Let’s look at some steps that families can take to make sure they are prepared for a poison emergency. Remember, if the person is not breathing, is unconscious, or having seizures, call 911 right away. If not, call 1-800-222-1222 to talk to a poison specialist who is ready to answer your call.
Meet Our Experts: Nick
One of the goals of our eAntidote blog is to introduce you to the real poison experts who answer the phones at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC), as well as our staff members. Read this Q&A to get to know our toxicology fellow: Nick Husak.
Stop, Ask First!
Children under the age of six accounted for 36% of cases at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC) in 2019. One common reason for unintentional exposures in children is that they are not able to tell the difference between products that look alike. Teach young children to “Stop, Ask First” before touching, tasting, or smelling something.
Mixing Medicines with Alcohol
“My doctor just gave me a new medicine to take; can I drink alcohol with it?” This is how many conversations begin at the Maryland Poison Center. The answer to the question can vary depending on the medicine.
Insect Repellents
Summer is in full force! Whether you’re going camping in the woods or just playing at the neighborhood park, you’ll likely find yourself applying sunscreen and bug spray before heading out. Let’s explore how to safely use insect repellents to better protect our loved ones when outdoors.
Meet Our Experts: Heather S.
One of the goals of our eAntidote blog is to introduce you to the real poison experts who answer the phones at the Maryland Poison Center (MPC), as well as our staff members. Read this Q&A to get to know one specialist: Heather Sellman.
Maryland Critters that Bite and Sting
Although most critters in Maryland are beneficial to the ecosystem, some can bite or sting humans, potentially causing an injury.