Category: Tox Hot Topics

February is National Cancer Prevention Month

Posted on by cassandragabbert

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Many choices can be made every day to help lower the risk of cancer. Ways to lower cancer risk include avoiding tobacco and alcohol, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and protecting skin from the sun. According to a study published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, cigarette smoking was by far the leading risk factor, contributing to nearly 20% of all cancer cases and 30% of all cancer deaths. Tobacco smoke is made up of thousands of chemicals, many of which are known to cause cancer. Avoiding exposure to cancer causing chemicals can help reduce the risk of developing cancer.

For more information, visit:

Chemicals and Cancer | American Cancer Society

Ways to Prevent Cancer – Prevent Cancer Foundation

Cancer Risk and Prevention | Cancer Causes | Stay Healthy | American Cancer Society

Pediatric Nicotine Ingestions

Posted on by cassandragabbert

In the last five years, the popularity of nicotine pouches and the cases of accidental pediatric nicotine pouch ingestions have risen significantly. From 2020-2023 there was a 763% increase in pediatric nicotine pouch exposure. Pouches usually contain between 12-15 mg of nicotine and are often not in child-resistant containers. Ingesting that level of nicotine can lead to severe toxicity in children 5 and under. The toxic effects range from nausea and vomiting to seizure, coma, and even death. Over half of children who ingest nicotine products have no reported effect or minor effects (56.4%) from the ingestion according to cases reported in the NPDS from the U.S. poison centers. Previously used nicotine pouches still contain residual nicotine and can lead to serious health effects if ingested by a child, highlighting the importance of storing the pouches out of reach or in child-resistant containers.

For help during a poison emergency call the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

For more information:

Radon Awareness Week

Posted on by cassandragabbert

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is observing Radon Awareness Week during January 26th through January 30th 2026. This week emphasizes the dangers of radon as it is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States. Radon is naturally occurring and can leak into homes from cracks or gaps in floors or walls. Testing a house for radon is the only way to know if there is an indoor radon problem. Radon test kits for Virginians can be purchased for a discounted price at https://www.vdhradon.org/.

For more information, visit:

CDC Radon Awareness Week: https://www.cdc.gov/radon/index.html

VDH Indoor Radon Program: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/radiological-health/indoor-radon-program/

 

Winter Storms: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risks

Posted on by cassandragabbert

Many areas around the country lose power due to winter storms. As a result, families resort to using risky alternatives for heat and preparing meals making January the deadliest month for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that is produced when fuel is burned. Common sources of CO include automobiles, wood stoves, fireplaces, and furnaces.  

To keep you and your family safe, place portable power generators outdoors in a well-ventilated spot, at least 20 feet away from your home. Do not use grills or camping stoves inside your home. Make sure to pull cars out of the garage when warming up the engine and install CO detectors on every level of your home. 

If you have questions, you can contact the Blue Ridge Poison Center day or night at 1-800-222-1222.  

FDA Recall: “Modern Warrior Ready” Dietary Supplement

Posted on by cassandragabbert

All lots of “Modern Warrior Ready”, a dietary supplement from Modern Warrior, are being recalled due to the presence of undeclared ingredients. Tianeptine, 1,4-DMAA, and aniracetam are a few of the undeclared ingredients found in the supplement. Tianeptine can cause health effects including suicide ideation, confusion, seizures, drowsiness, and shortness of breath. Use of 1,4-DMAA can lead to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

For more information on the FDA recall, visit https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/modern-warrior-recalls-modern-warrior-ready-dietary-supplement-due-undeclared-14-dmaa-and-aniracetam?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Bottle of "Modern Warrior Ready" from FDA recallPhoto of “Modern Warrior Ready” from FDA recall

EPA to Regulate Uses of Five Phthalate Chemicals

Posted on by cassandragabbert

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces intent to regulate dozens of uses of five phthalate chemicals to protect workers and the environment. The five phthalate chemicals that EPA plans to regulate include Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP), Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Dicyclohexyl Phthalate (DCHP), Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP), and Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP) which are commonly used to make plastics more flexible. Risks associated with the use of these chemicals include worker exposure from inhalation during manufacturing and spray applications. Other risks include environmental concerns for fish and other aquatic life and health impacts including hormone deficiencies and endocrine disruption.

For more information on phthalate, see https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/phthalates.

December 6th is National Miners Day

Posted on by

National Miners Day is observed on December 6th to honor all miners around the country, including coal miners. Coal mining is a vital part of the United States’ energy mix and economy but can be a dangerous job due to exposure to dust and other hazards that threaten long-term health.

Protecting the health of coal miners is crucial, and for over 55 years, the NIOSH Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) has worked to ensure coal miners’ health. CWHSP has helped safeguard the respiratory health of coal miners across the United States by offering chest x-rays and lung function tests. These tests can detect respiratory diseases, like black lung, which can be prevented when exposures are controlled. Black lung disease is progressive and incurable, but its worst effects can be avoided when the disease is identified early.

For more information, see:

NIOSH Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program

Mine Safety and Health Administration National Miners Day

Acephate Warning

Posted on by

The Blue Ridge Poison Center recently put out a “ToxTalks” about Acephate, a commonly available fire ant killer under the brand name “Orthene”. Acephate is an organophosphate that can cause an array of clinical effects. This product has been associated with many cases of toxicity in the United States, and as fire ants are spreading into Virginia, it is important to understand the risks associated with the product. Toxicity from this organophosphate can occur through dermal, oral, and inhalation exposure, and intentional ingestions can lead to significant toxicity. Health effects related to organophosphate exposure include difficulty breathing, headache, excessive salivation, nausea, and diarrhea.  People who are exposed to very high levels can have seizures, muscle paralysis, and/or stop breathing.

For more information:

Blue Ridge Poison Center ToxTalk: https://med.virginia.edu/toxicology/wp-content/uploads/sites/268/2025/10/Oct25-Acephate.pdf 

VDH Acetylcholinesterase Fact Sheet: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/chemical-fact-sheets/acetylcholinesterase/

October 25th is National Prescription Drug Takeback Day

Posted on by

On October 25th, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is having its National Prescription Drug Takeback Day. This event allows people to take their old prescription medicine to collection sites and have it properly disposed of.  Access to leftover or old prescription medicine can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse. Prescription medicine that is thrown in the trash can be retrieved and medicine flushed down the toilet can contaminate the water supply, so it is best to take it to a collection site.

For more information about National Prescription Drug Takeback Day and to find a collection site near you, visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.

UPDATE: FDA Warns About Imported Cookware That May Leach Lead

Posted on by

As of October 20, 2025, the FDA has identified six additional cookware products that may leach lead into food. These products may leach lead when used for cooking or storing food. The FDA will continue testing additional products and keep an update list of affected products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers about possible lead in imported cookware. Testing done by the FDA has shown that imported cookware made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium may leach lead into food when used for cooking. Exposure to lead can cause many negative effects including decreased learning, memory, and attention, weakness in fingers, wrists, or ankles, anemia, and kidney damage. Children and babies are especially at risk for negative health effects from lead exposure.

The FDA recommends that consumers check their homes for products listed on the safety alert and throw away any cookware found on that list. It is not recommended to donate or refurbish this cookware. If consumers are concerned about lead exposure they should contact their healthcare provider.

For more information:

FDA Lead Alert:

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-issues-warning-about-imported-cookware-may-leach-lead-august-2025

ATSDR Lead ToxFAQs: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=93&toxid=22