Many of us are ready for summer and backyard barbeque season to connect with family and friends. However, nothing can ruin a gathering more than an outbreak of foodborne illness. As you gear up to enjoy some yummy food, follow these simple tips to keep everyone happy and healthy this summer. Five Don’ts: Don’t rinse… Read More

Traveling this summer?! Whether you are traveling solo, with family or friends, the excitement of a vacation may cause your guard to come down in regards to poison prevention. The following safety tips highlight ways to avoid an accidental poisoning while traveling. Pack and store medications and personal care products safely: Be sure to store… Read More

Summer is finally here which means the snakes are out and about. While most snakes are harmless and play crucial roles in ecosystems, encounters with venomous species can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, gardener, or simply enjoy spending time in nature, understanding snake safety is essential. Know Your Snakes:… Read More

It’s getting colder out and the use of gas furnaces, heaters and other methods to stay warm is increasing. Part 5 A big thank you to Firefighter Michelle and Lieutenant Paulsen for all the carbon monoxide safety tips! For any questions on carbon monoxide, please call your local poison center or fire department. We’re happy… Read More

It’s getting colder out and the use of gas furnaces, heaters and other methods to stay warm is increasing. Carbon Monoxide Safety: Part 4 Firefighter Michelle shares with us information about carbon monoxide detectors

It’s getting colder out and the use of gas furnaces, heaters and other methods to stay warm is increasing. Carbon Monoxide Safety: Part 3 Lt. Paulsen shares with us some signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure

It’s getting colder out and the use of gas furnaces, heaters and other methods to stay warm is increasing. Carbon Monoxide Safety: Part 2 Lt. Paulsen shares with us more ways that carbon monoxide can be produced.

It’s getting colder out and the use of gas furnaces, heaters and other methods to stay warm is increasing. Carbon Monoxide Safety: Part 1 Stay safe this winter with carbon monoxide safety tips from Lieutenant Paulsen and Firefighter Michelle from the Cobb County Fire Department.  

The temperature is dropping and the winter weather is setting in. Many people are utilizing home heating systems, increasing the risk for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which can be deadly to humans and animals. According to the CDC, at least 420 people die in the U.S. every year from CO poisoning which is a completely… Read More

Holidays are exciting yet hectic times. Some festive items or products, like seasonal plants and evergreens, heirloom ornaments, and alcoholic beverages are potentially dangerous for young children. These safety tips can help keep the holidays safe and joyful. Food Preparations: Prepare as much of the holiday meals and/or party foods as far in advance as… Read More

While family pets and furry friends may not be going back to school in the fall, they are important to consider in back-to-school safety. Many common foods are potentially toxic to pets at home, especially pet dogs. These foods include chewing gum (which contains xylitol), grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, and onions, all of which… Read More

Teachers can play a vital role in preventing poison exposures in the classroom. Here are some quick tips to help protect your students: Clean Hands, Happy Hearts: It is imperative that students and staff adhere to school procedures and engage in regular handwashing with soap and water. Key times for handwashing include after bathroom breaks,… Read More

In addition to getting your child ready to go back to school with the usual gathering of school supplies and new shoe shopping, teach them these basic back-to-school prevention tips! Playground poison safety: The poison center sometimes receives calls about schoolchildren eating plants or mushrooms they find on the playground. It can be very difficult… Read More

Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Ultraviolet rays are an invisible kind… Read More

Household cleaners and disinfectants contain powerful ingredients to clean our environments and keep our homes healthy. These products should be handled with care to prevent exposure to fumes, spills and splashes, and accidental ingestion. Safe storage and handling of household cleaners and chemicals can protect you and your family from injury associated with exposure. To… Read More

Creatine and caffeine are two of the most used performance enhancing substances. Creatine is produced naturally by our body, and it is also found in protein-containing foods such as meat and fish. Creatine increases the energy that our muscles can use for contraction, which is the basis for its wide use to increase energy during… Read More

April showers don’t only bring May flowers—snakes come out of hibernation in the Spring. They are most active between the months of April and October. There are seven types of venomous snakes that inhabit the state of Georgia: the Timber Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Copperhead (pictured to the left), Cottonmouth, and Coral Snake…. Read More

The start of Spring and Summer seasons means thunderstorms are brewing. When a bad thunderstorm causes a power outage, you may rely on a generator to power your home. Generators are great, generally safe tools when used correctly, but if used inappropriately, they can be hazardous. Unsafe generator use can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning,… Read More

Spring has sprung, which means it’s time for spring cleaning! Many household cleaning products contain ingredients that are dangerous if accidentally ingested. Specifically, products that contain acids can cause injury to the throat and stomach if swallowed. Common cleaning products that contain acids include oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and drain openers. To keep yourself… Read More

Situation:  Carbon monoxide poisoning associated with hookah use and preparation In recent months, the Georgia Poison Center has been notified of two cases of carbon monoxide poisoning among hookah lounge employees.   Background:  How can carbon monoxide poisoning result from hookah use? Hookah pipes utilize charcoal, which, when ignited, releases carbon monoxide (CO) gas. The… Read More