Author: ToxTeam

National Poison Prevention Week

Posted on by ToxTeam

March 15-22, 2025, is National Poison Prevention Week. NPPW is used to raise awareness of risks associated with poisonous substances, safety precautions, and the use of the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and website, PoisonHelp.org. In case of a poison emergency, call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222). If someone is unconscious, seizing, or unable to breathe, dial 911 right away.

According to America’ s Poison Centers, 90% of poisonings happen in homes in America each year, and more than 70% of people who call Poison Help get the help they need right where they are. The Poison Help hotline has many locations across the United States. In Virginia, we have the Virginia Poison Center and the Blue Ridge Poison Center. They are free 24/7 emergency services that assess situations and provide first-aid actions. These services help physicians and residents in Virginia with poisonous chemical exposure. They have specially trained registered nurses answering calls to provide assistance and treatment at the call center. If the poisoning is serious, the call center will refer the person to the nearest health care facility equipped to handle poisonings.

Related webpages:

Poison Centers | Poison Help

National Capital Poison Center

Dangers of Heating Home with Gas Oven

Posted on by ToxTeam

During winter months, some people might be tempted to use their gas ovens to warm their homes if they are without heat. This could cause many health hazards.

Heating your home with a gas oven can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide which might result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Since carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless it is difficult to detect and can be deadly. A hot open oven could cause burns or a fire if something comes in contact with it.

Instead of using a gas oven to heat the home, try using safer alternatives like space heaters if you have power. Look for space heaters that won’t burn you and will automatically shut off if tipped over. Always make sure to unplug a space heater when you leave the room. Never run a space heater near water or while you are sleeping.

For more information, see:

VHD- Carbon Monoxide Factsheet

CDC- Heating Home with Gas Oven

Consumer Reports- Dangers of Gas Range as Heat

Radon Awareness Week

Posted on by ToxTeam

January 27-31, 2025 is Radon Awareness Week. This week is used to bring awareness about the dangers of radon.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is very dangerous because you cannot see, smell or taste it. Breathing in air with radon is not good for your health.

Radon is an odorless and invisible gas that occurs naturally in the ground. Radon can be found in your home from seeping into foundations, cracks, gaps, and sump pumps.

You can protect yourself from the dangers of radon by testing your home for radon. VDH is offering low cost do-it-yourself radon test kits. You can order your tests at this website, Radon Home Test Kit | Virginia Department of Health.

For more information see our radon page or call the National Radon Hotline at 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236).

FDA Bans Use of Red Dye No. 3

Posted on by ToxTeam

On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made an amendment to the color additive regulations which bans the use of FD&C Red No. 3 dye in food and medicines. FD&C Red No 3. is also known as Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye 3, and erythrosine and is a synthetic food dye that causes a bright red color. Red Dye No. 3 can be found in some medicines and many foods including candy, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, popsicles, and frosting.

Studies showed that high levels of FD&C Red No. 3 dye caused cancer in male laboratory rats. Although there has been no evidence of FD&C Red No. 3 causing cancer in humans, due to the Delaney clause the color additive cannot be used in food. The Delaney Clause states any food or color additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals must be banned. For more information regarding the health concerns relating to Red Dye No. 3, visit the FDA’s website, FD&C Red No. 3 | FDA .

The FDA will provide guidance and recommended alternatives to drug manufacturers that often use the color additive. These companies will have until January 18, 2028, to completely remove FD&C Red No 3 from their products.

FDA Revokes Use of FD&C Red No.3 in Foods and Drugs

 

 

 

EPA Issues Final Ruling for Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PCE)

Posted on by ToxTeam

On December 9, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final ruling for trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) under the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) amendments. This ruling restricts the use of TCE and PCE and is aimed at protecting adults and children from adverse health effects. TCE and PCE cause severe health effects including many forms of cancer and neurological damage.

The typical uses for TCE are cleaning and furniture care, degreasers, sealants, lubricants, paint and coatings, arts and crafts spray coatings, and some refrigerants. Both chemicals are in glue and brake cleaners. PCE is also used in dry cleaning.

The amendment will ban all uses of TCE including manufacture and processing from all consumer products and most commercial products within one year. It will also ban all consumer uses of PCE and most industry uses while allowing a few industries to continue use with strict regulations. There will be a 10 year phase out of PCE in dry cleaning involving prohibiting use of PCE in newly acquired dry-cleaning machines after 6 months. These bans will protect many consumers and workers who are likely to be exposed to TCE and PCE.

For more information, see: