One of the most recognizable signs of the holidays is the plant Euphorbia pulcherrima, or commonly known as “poinsettia” (pictured on the left). The poinsettia derives its name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States (US) Minister to Mexico, who is credited with introducing the plant to the US in the 1820s. Contrary to… Read More

If you and your family are preparing a turkey for thanksgiving or a holiday meal, it is important to know that turkey and its juice can be contaminated with germs that can make you and your family sick (e.g., Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter).2 Whether you are cooking a whole bird or part of it, such as the… Read More

The autumn and holiday season is often accompanied by an assortment of food and drinks, including a variety of festive alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks may have pretty colors or be mixed with ice cream, making these beverages more appealing to children. Regardless of how “child-like” these beverages may look, kids are at high risk for… Read More

Schools are almost back in session. Parents should remind their young children that markers, crayons, glue, glitter, and other school supplies belong on paper, not in their mouths. Your children should always be supervised when using supplies because they can easily be splashed into the eyes, swallowed or spilled onto skin, and can cause pain…. Read More

Pesticides and lawn products constitute one of the most dangerous summer related potential exposures. Taking care of our lawns and gardens is something many of us take pride in. However, it’s important to keep in mind the potential dangers of using pesticides and chemical lawn products. Not only can these products cause harm when ingested,… Read More

Summer time is the best time for bubble machines and wands. This classic summer toy is considered minimally toxic. While the soap solution is unlikely to cause significant problems it can upset the stomach causing vomiting or diarrhea and loose stool. There are usually no symptoms associated with small ingestions, so if you or anyone… Read More

Most ingestions regarding chalk are related to children and pets eating it. The bright colors and playful environment tempts them to eat small amounts of either sidewalk color chalk or white blackboard chalk. Both kinds of chalk are made from ingredients called calcium carbonate and/or calcium sulfate. Keep in mind that this does not apply… Read More

Tiki torch lighter fluid and lamp oils are all generally chemicals that fall under a class of materials called hydrocarbons. When ingested, if they make it into the stomach, hydrocarbons are generally not dangerous in small quantities. However, large quantities of these particular hydrocarbons can cause sedation and ingestion of hydrocarbons can become very dangerous… Read More

This medication is generally used alone or in combination with other medications to lower blood pressure, treat ADHD, or manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Via certain pathways this medication lowers the strength of the out flowing signal from the brain that controls the resistance of arteries and veins thus lowering blood pressure. When someone, especially… Read More

TCAs are a group of antidepressant medications used for a wide range of conditions. They can be used to treat conditions such as anxiety, panic, bulimia, and most commonly depression or chronic pain. Each medication in this class is slightly different, though they share similarities, and for that reason their side effects are different. Many… Read More

Gout is pain often caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in major joins such as the knee and big toe. Colchicine is a medication that works to decrease the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and limit the pain and inflammation that are normally associated with the crystal formation. Colchicine does… Read More

As the weather warms, gardens and yards everywhere will begin to bloom. It is so important to know the names of your indoor and outdoor plants and find out if they are poisonous. Keep all poisonous plants, bulbs, seeds and plant foods where children cannot reach them. On top of knowing your plants, another important… Read More

The main ingredient in chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite. Chlorine bleach can be purchased on it’s own or in combination cleaning products such as bleach, disinfectants, and pool chemicals. When combined with ammonia, it can create a toxic vapor call chloramine gas.  Some cleaning services like jennychem.com also check out these products for the best… Read More

Daffodil, the common name for plants of the Narcissus species are brightly colored blooms that often begin to add color and texture to our Georgia land scape in the spring months. This family of plants grow from bulbs, and the most common source of poisoning by daffodil occurs when patients confuse the plants bulb for… Read More