November Newsletter
REAL POISON CENTER CASES & HOLIDAY FOOD SAFETY

Case #1

A hospital called us about a 27-year-old woman who was transported to them by means of an ambulance. She was experiencing symptoms from taking Delta-8 THC tablets. The symptoms were chest pain & pressure, and intense anxiety. She was admitted to the hospital overnight and released the next day.
 
 
 

Case #2

A 47-year-old man was found unresponsive in a vehicle. He was given Narcan twice for a suspected opioid overdose but it did not help. Paramedics found charcoal & a portable stove in his vehicle which indicated that he might have carbon monoxide poisoning. He was intubated for 24 hours until his vitals returned to normal. He developed pneumonia but was discharged with medication and sent home. He was advised to follow-up with his primary care doctor.  
PREPARE:
  • Keep meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods in your grocery bags, in the refrigerator, and while prepping.
  • Wash your hands, kitchen surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards frequently, especially after handling or preparing uncooked food.
 
  COOK:
  • The bacteria that cause food poisoning multiply quickest in the "Danger Zone," which is between 40˚ and 140˚ Fahrenheit. In general, it's best to keep hot food hot, and cold food cold.
  • Use a food thermometer to check if meat is fully cooked and heated high enough to kill harmful bacteria. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of at least 165° F.

 STORE:
  • Refrigerate leftovers promptly - within two hours - at 40° F or below to help reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
  • Prevent cross-contamination by completely and securely covering foods in the refrigerator.
  • Consume or freeze leftovers within 3-4 days.
  • "When in doubt, throw it out"
BABY PRODUCTS

You've gone through pregnancy, labor & delivery and now you are ready to go home with your baby. Once home, you might feel like you have no idea what you're doing & you may be wondering what products are safe to use! Whether you're expecting or you know someone who is, read below as we dive into baby products.


Baby Shampoo
  • Most baby shampoos are not considered dangerous if swallowed. Some shampoos may contain perfume or scents that can be irritating to your baby's skin, particularly if they have skin sensitivities.
  • When you see shampoo advertised as "tear-free," it usually refers to the absence of chemicals in the product that can irritate your baby's eyes.

Baby Lotion:
  • Most baby lotions are not considered dangerous. If any is swallowed, it can cause an upset stomach & loose stools. Baby lotion with fragrances can cause skin irritation for babies with sensitive skin.

Baby Powder:
  • Baby powders are often used to prevent diaper rash. Many baby powders contain cornstarch, talc, arrowroot, or other powders.
  • If baby powder is tipped over while your child is laying on their back, it may be inhaled causing your baby to cough from the powder in their lungs. This is called aspiration and can cause a lung infection.

Baby Oil:
  • Baby oil is usually made of mineral oil and can contain fragrances.
  •  If swallowed, oil may cause severe diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration.
  • Call right away if you are concerned your baby may have swallowed baby oil.

Baby Wipes:
  • Water is the main ingredient in baby wipes. They also contain mild detergents, like those found in baby shampoos.
  • A lick or a taste is not dangerous, but may cause an upset stomach if your child ingest a large amount of the liquid. 
  • Wipes that contain alcohol might be more dangerous if a child has more than a lick or taste.

Diaper Rash Cream:
  • Most diaper rash products contain zinc oxide while some contain lanolin and other moisturizers.
  • Diaper rash ointment is not considered dangerous. A lick or taste will usually not produce any symptoms, but if a larger amount is swallowed, it can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Teething Rings:
  •  The liquid typically consists of either salt water or glycerin and water. The vast majority of these teething ring exposures do not pose a poison danger.


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