Category: Tox Hot Topics

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:

Beautiful, But Beware: Toxic Holiday Plants You Should Know About 

Posted on by Tox Team

Holiday decorations often include decorative greenery to help get our minds off the drab winter. People may also bring in branches trimmed from evergreen trees and bushes outside their homes. However, sometimes this greenery can be dangerous.  

Holly is commonly associated with winter and holiday decorations, but care should be taken to keep it out of reach of both children and pets, as ingestion can be harmful. Wreaths and other decorations can include holly berries (Ilex species) that are toxic to both humans and pets due to the presence of saponins, chemical compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation when ingested. For humans, the symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. While consuming a few berries may only cause mild discomfort, eating larger amounts can lead to more serious symptoms and requires medical attention.  If holly berries are consumed, it is crucial to contact poison control or a healthcare provider. Holly is easily recognizable by its spiny, dark green leaves and clusters of bright red berries, although some varieties may produce yellow or orange berries.  

Another potentially dangerous evergreen is yew, which produces fleshy red berries with a mild sweet taste. However, the seed inside the berry is poisonous. Taxine alkaloids in the seed can cause upset stomach, drowsiness, trembling, rapid heartbeat, and rapid breathing. If untreated, yew poisoning can lead to low heart rate, abnormal heartbeat, and death from heart failure.  

Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can also suffer from the toxic effects of holly berries, with symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If your pet eats berries or leaves from holly or yew, contact a veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline. 

Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 

https://www.poison.org/articles/holly-berries 

https://www.poison.org/articles/yew-and-paclitaxel 

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/holiday-pet-safety 

 

 

November is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Month

Posted on by Tox Team

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuels. Common sources include automobiles, gasoline-powered lawn equipment, wood stoves, fireplaces, grills, and appliances that burn oil or gas. According to the Blue Ridge Poison Control Center, CO kills around 500 people annually, with many more suffering from related injuries. Portable generators, especially when used too close to homes, are the leading cause of CO fatalities. 

CO is undetectable by sight or smell, so people may not realize they are being exposed. When inhaled, it enters the lungs and binds to red blood cells, preventing oxygen from reaching vital organs. Early symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, and drowsiness, which are often mistaken for the flu. As exposure continues, symptoms may worsen, leading to chest pain, dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Untreated, CO poisoning can result in severe health issues or death. 

Carbon monoxide detectors are critical safety devices that provide an early warning of CO presence, helping to prevent poisoning before symptoms develop.  

In addition to CO detectors, here are some other safety measures to consider:  

  1. Generator Placement: Always position portable power generators at least 20 feet away from your home. This distance helps prevent CO from entering your living space. 
  2. Avoid Enclosed Spaces: Never use generators, grills, or any fuel-burning appliances in enclosed areas like attics, porches, basements, or garages, as these spaces can trap CO.
  3. Vehicle Safety: If you need to warm up your car or motorcycle, always pull it out of the garage first. Even a running engine can produce dangerous levels of CO in an enclosed area.
  4. Annual Maintenance: Have your furnace and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year. This ensures that any leaks or worn parts are identified and repaired, reducing the risk of CO buildup. 
  5. Appliance Use: Use your oven and stovetop strictly for cooking. Do not use them as a heating source for your home, as this can lead to CO accumulation.  

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. For more information, visit VDH’s Carbon Monoxide FAQ.

National Drug Take Back Day is October 26

Posted on by Tox Team

Many of us have old prescription medicines we no longer need in our cabinets, or old expired over the counter medicines. Taking expired medications isn’t safe, and storing unneeded medication increases the risk a child could get into the medicines and be poisoned. Other medications are sometimes abused, and these could be taken by teenagers at risk for substance abuse. In order to help people dispose of medicines safely, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is holding an National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 26. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has a search for collection sites near you. Unused prescription medications can be disposed of at collection sites safely and anonymously.

While it’s best to get rid of old medicines with a prescription drug take back program, if you need to you can dispose of them other ways. The Food and Drug Administration has directions on how to safety throw away old medicines, and has a list of medicines that they recommend flushing. Medicines on the “flush list” are especially dangerous because they are easy to overdose on, and some are frequently abused. If you have one of the medicines on the “flush list” and no longer need it, it is best to get rid of it immediately by flushing it down the toilet instead of waiting for a drug take back event.

Hurricane Helene and Flooded Homes

Posted on by Tox Team

Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26 in Florida, but then moved north, ending far inland. When it reached the Appalachian Mountains, heavy rainfall led to flash flooding and landslides. In southwest Virginia, many people are still without power and cell service, and roads are blocked by fallen trees or washed away by flooding. Virginia received approval for a federal emergency declaration for the counties of Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe and the City of Galax.  People needing help with cleanup can call the Hurricane Helene Crisis Clean Up hotline at 1-844-965-1386 and contact their local emergency manager for help. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has a page for Hurricane Helene with information about cleanup and damage assessments.

If your home has been flooded, be cautious when returning. Flooded homes can have a variety of dangers, such as electric shocks, mold, broken glass and other debris, bacteria in flood water and mud, and structural problems. Don’t return to the area until local officials have said it is safe. Do not enter a flooded home until it has been inspected to make sure it is safe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has guidance for cleaning up a flooded home.

Drinking water systems may not be able to disinfect water properly because of flooding. Before you drink the water, check with your water utility to make sure there is not a boil water advisory. For a boil water advisory, bring water to a rolling boil and let it boil for one minute, then cool before using. Some communities will also have drinking water distribution points. Check with your local officials for where you can go to get bottled water.

 

 

Hallucinogenic Mushroom Gummies

Posted on by Tox Team

Mushroom-based products, particularly gummies and chocolates, have surged in popularity since 2023, marketed as either health supplements or hallucinogenic psychedelics. Notable varieties include Amanita muscaria, which contains ibotenic acid and muscimol, and Psilocybe cubensis, known for its psilocybin content. However, these products are associated with serious health risks, including hallucinations, anxiety, nausea, and even seizures, with recent reports of at least five hospitalizations in Virginia and 130 cases nationally linked to their consumption.

Investigations have revealed that many mushroom gummies contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including synthetic psilocybin and stimulants like caffeine and kratom. The FDA has issued recalls for certain products due to these dangerous ingredients, highlighting the unregulated nature of the market. Consumers are advised to be cautious, verify product contents, and report any adverse effects to health authorities.