Poison Help & Information

1-800-222-1222

Seasonal

Camping

Many of us enjoy camping in the state of Washington because of numerous health benefits including:

  • Exercise from hiking, swimming, and biking
  • Fresh air
  • Rest
  • Time with friends and family

Whether backpacking into the wilderness or relaxing in a comfortable motor home, camping can present special hazards, such as:

  • Carbon monoxide (can be a hazard with kerosene heaters, gasoline engines in confined areas, etc.)
  • Gasoline, lighter fluid, stove fuel—hazardous with accidental ingestion, especially in children
  • Ingestion of wild mushrooms, especially by adults
  • Contact with toxic plants, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and especially nettles
  • Food poisoning from improperly stored food
  • Contaminated stream or lake water (eg. Giardia, algae)
  • Insect stings and bites—mosquitoes, bees, hornets
  • Snakebites (the rattlesnake is the only concern—and only in Eastern Washington)

The Washington Poison Center is only a phone call away should expert, professional advice ever be needed. In fact, if you call before you leave on your camping trip, we can help you take the steps to take to prevent problems from occurring, and to ensure an enjoyable, relaxing outdoor adventure!

Halloween

Before You Go Out

  • Feed your children to help cut the urge to snack on the route.
  • Bring your own candy, so your children will not eat unchecked treats.
  • Costumes should be flame-retardant, warm and not too long.
  • Masks should fit properly and have large eyeholes.
  • Use non-toxic face paint or makeup.
  • If your child swallows any makeup, call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

While You Are Out

  • If you have small children, go out before dark.
  • Children should be accompanied by an adult, carry a flashlight and wear flame-retardant, reflective clothing.
  • Put reflective tape on the trick-or-treat bag.
  • Trick-or-treat only in familiar, well-lit areas.
  • Only visit homes you know.
  • Look both ways carefully before crossing streets.
  • Use crosswalks when possible and do not run from between parked cars.
  • Stay away from dogs or other animals.
  • Glow sticks and necklaces can help illuminate after dark.
  • Be careful to not break or bite glow sticks (more of a choke hazard).
  • Give and accept wrapped candy only.

At Home

  • Carefully check all treats before allowing your children to eat them.
  • Only eat candy from original, unopened, and undamaged wrappers.
  • Throw away candy if wrappers are faded, torn, or signs of re-wrapping.

When It Doubt, Throw It Out

For a list of possible shipment / manufacture occurrences, visit www.candyusa.org

Holiday Concerns

  • Christmas Tree Ornaments: Christmas tree ornaments are not poison hazards, but a young child could choke on small parts.
  • Tinsel, Icicles, Glitter & Garlands: These items are made of plastic, aluminum or tin. They are not a problem if swallowed, but can be a problem in the ears, up the nose, etc.
  • Poinsettias: Poinsettias may irritate the mouth and the sap may irritate the skin of some people, otherwise it is nontoxic.
  • Holiday Berries: Holly berries, if eaten in excess, may cause a stomachache—but that’s all.
  • Mistletoe Berries: Mistletoe berries if eaten, may also cause a stomachache—but no more.
  • Evergreen Needles: Evergreen needles are nontoxic, but their sharpness may cause discomfort. Beware of homemade Christmas tree preservatives since they, if consumed, may be toxic.
  • Artificial Snow: Artificial snow contains wax and long-chain fatty acids that are nontoxic. However, repeatedly inhaling the aerosol could cause breathing problems.
  • Candles: Wax candles are nontoxic—but not very tasty!
  • Angel Hair: Angel hair is not poisonous, but it is made of spun glass (similar to fiberglass) and may irritate the eyes, skin or mouth.
  • Wrapping Paper & Ribbon: Commercial wrapping paper and ribbon are made with nontoxic dyes.
  • Perfumes & Colognes: Perfumes and colognes (popular gifts left under the tree) often contain alcohol, but in virtually all instances the amount consumed is too small to be a problem.

Other Concerns

  • Alcohol: Keep cocktails out of the reach of children and adults who plan to drive.
  • Food Poisoning: Cook and store food properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
  • Medicines & Vitamins: Watch for possible hazards brought by your guests or found in homes your children are visiting. Medicine, vitamins and other personal products found in a purse or suitcase can be very tempting to a young child or pet. Provide your guests with a safe place to keep these items.

If you have additional questions about a potential poison, we are here for informational calls as well as emergencies, so please do not hesitate to call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.