Today’s citizen is aware of possible harmful effects from many environmental chemicals. Remember: to be toxic or to act as a poison the dose must be enough. Media sources bombard us with stories and information of concern to people of every community in the State when the doses are well below the toxic level. Unfortunately, the typical person is unable to sort facts allowing for a reasonable understanding of risk. The professional staff at the Washington Poison Center is knowledgeable about environmental issues and has the information and experience to guide callers with questions about the potential hazards from such agents. Among these topics are:

CARBON MONOXIDE: This colorless and odorless gas is a byproduct of incomplete combustion from any heat source that uses an open flame, such as a furnace, fireplace or portable propane heater. Read more about carbon monoxide (CO).

LEAD AND ARSENIC: Naturally occurring heavy metals that are in the crust of the earth dissolve into water and have been used in paint and insecticides.

MERCURY: The shiny “liquid” metal used in blood pressure cuffs, weather instruments and old-fashioned glass thermometers.

MOLD: One of the most common unwanted houseguests living in bathrooms and closets or around windows and other moist areas.

PESTICIDES: Some of our best chemical friends or worst enemies, depending on proper or incorrect use.

OTHER: There are many other environmental factors that we may or may not come across every day. Some are chemicals, others are organisms such as blue-green algae.

The pharmacists, registered nurses and other skilled staff are available at the Washington Poison Center around the clock, every day of the year to answer your questions and address your concerns on these issues by calling 1-800-222-1222. Physicians and other health care providers can obtain immediate consultation with our toxicologists at any time regarding environmental and work place exposures.

Children have an increased vulnerability to hazards in the environment. The Washington State Department of Health has released a document detailing those hazards.

Click here to find out what should you do with your household hazardous waste.