Category: Tox Hot Topics

Acephate Warning

Posted on by ToxTeam

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 ToxTeam

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 ToxTeam

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

Protecting You and Your Family from Carbon Monoxide

Posted on by ToxTeam

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can make you sick before you even know it’s there.

Any fuel-fired appliance can be a source of carbon monoxide. Common sources inside the home include leaking furnaces or chimneys, gas or wood stoves, unvented space heaters, fireplaces, fuel-burning grills, generators, and vehicles idling in garages.

If you experience any of these symptoms, headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, shortness of breath, flu-like symptoms (without fever), or confusion, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.

Installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home can prevent exposure to CO. Avoid using unvented fuel-fired appliances indoors and have failing appliances removed or repaired by a certified professional.

For more information check out these resources:

 

 

FDA Warns About Shrimp Containing Cesium-137

Posted on by ToxTeam

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a warning regarding radioactivity in certain frozen shrimp products cautioning against their sale or consumption. Cesium-137 is a radioactive element that is produced during nuclear fission. Cesium-137 can be found in the environment as a result of accidental releases from nuclear power plants or from nuclear weapon testing. It is also used in industry in some gauges and in medicine for radiation therapy. People can be exposed to cesium-137 by breathing in air, drinking water, or eating food that contains cesium-137. Exposure to high levels of cesium-137 can cause negative health effects including cell damage, burns, acute radiation syndrome, and an increased risk of cancer.

For more information about the FDA alert and cesium-137:

FDA Alert: https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-public-not-eat-sell-or-serve-certain-imported-frozen-shrimp-indonesian-firm

ATSDR Cesium Factsheet: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=576&toxid=107

CDC Cesium-137: https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/hcp/isotopes/cesium-137.html

FDA Warns About Imported Cookware Leaching Lead

Posted on by ToxTeam

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.

Picture of Cookware Containing Lead from FDA

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

FDA Recommends Restricting 7-OH Products

Posted on by ToxTeam

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recommending that the substance 7-hydroxymitragynine, known as 7-OH, become a controlled substance due to its ability to bind to opioid receptors, making it potentially addictive. 7-OH is a concentrated component of the kratom plant. The FDA is focused on regulating 7-OH and not focused on natural kratom products.

The use and availability of 7-OH products is growing at a concerning rate. The FDA has not approved any 7-OH drugs or 7-OH dietary supplements and 7-OH cannot be lawfully added to food. Fruit flavored gummies and ice cream cones that contain 7-OH are especially appealing to children and teenagers. The Drug Enforcement Administration is reviewing FDA’s recommendation to make 7-OH a controlled substance and will make a final decision later.

For more information:

FDA News Release: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-products-threatening-american-consumers

VDH Kratom Factsheet: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/kratom/

FDA 7-OH Product Page: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-consumers-and-patients-drugs/hiding-plain-sight-7-oh-products

Delta-8 THC Serious Health Risks

Posted on by ToxTeam

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wrote an article highlighting serious health risks related to the use of delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis sativa plant.  

Although delta-8 THC products are available online and in stores, the FDA has not approved or evaluated the products for safe use in any context. The FDA has received over 100 reports of adverse events following the use of delta-8 THC products. Potentially harmful chemicals are used to create the higher concentrations of delta-8 THC found in products being sold. Delta-8 THC products are not inspected by FDA for purity and can contain leftover chemicals from product preparation or added chemicals that are not listed on the package. These products have psychoactive and intoxicating effects and should always be kept away from children and pets. More information on delta-8 THC and the serious health effects associated with it can be found at https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc. 

Do It Yourself Air Cleaners

Posted on by ToxTeam

A video by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) teaches you how to build a Do It Yourself (DIY) air cleaner that can be used during emergencies, such as wildfires, and in other situations when commercially available portable air cleaners are not available or affordable. This is a good option when air purifiers aren’t available to filter out harmful small particles from the air. Materials needed include: a box fan, MERV 13 air filters, carboard, scissors, and duct tape. Three different types of DIY air filters can be built depending on how many air filters you have available. The more filters used, the more effective the air purifier will be at removing harmful particles from the air. Make sure to use the air cleaner in a room with closed windows and replace filters when they get dirty.  Watch this video from the EPA to learn how to assemble the DIY air cleaners.

More information:

U.S. EPA DIY air cleaner video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8fcyfPhbjc

U.S. EPA indoor air quality: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

U.S. EPA DIY air cleaner infographic: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/diy-air-cleaner-reduce-wildfire-smoke-indoors-infographic?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

Summer Safety: Beat the Heat

Posted on by Tox Team

As summer temperatures rise, it’s important to prepare now to protect yourself and your family from extreme heat and potential power outages. High indoor temperatures can lead to serious and even deadly illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Even if you have air conditioning, a sudden power outage can make cooling systems useless when you need them most. Make sure your A/C is serviced before the hottest days arrive. If you don’t have air conditioning, identify places nearby, like cooling centers, libraries, or malls, where you can stay cool during extreme heat events. Remember, electric fans don’t lower the temperature; they only move air around, so be sure to use them safely. Use shading strategies such as covering sun-facing windows with curtains or awnings, and manage ventilation based on whether outdoor air is hotter or cooler than the inside. Consider long-term improvements like insulating your attic to reduce indoor heat buildup.

Be aware of the signs of heat-related illness and know when to call 911 as heat stroke can be fatal. Vulnerable populations such as older adults, infants, people with chronic conditions, and those without air conditioning are especially at risk. Stay informed using the National Weather Service’s HeatRisk index to anticipate when extreme heat might impact your area. If a power outage occurs, use the same shading and ventilation strategies to keep your home cooler, and never use fuel-powered generators indoors or in enclosed areas, always operate them outside, at least 20 feet from your home, to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. For more information, the EPA offers helpful videos and resources on staying safe and protecting indoor air quality during power outages.