Both titanium dioxide and Red Dye 3 are common chemical compounds in various everyday products, from cosmetics to food items. Their primary functions are as a pigment, providing whiteness and opacity in products. However, their prevalence has raised concerns about their safety and potential health risks, especially in the food industry. In this article, we’ll first delve into what titanium dioxide and Red Dye 3 are, their uses, and then assess whether they pose any dangers to human health. What is Titanium Dioxide? Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a naturally occurring oxide of titanium, commonly fo ..read more

Missouri Poison Center provides a risk management safety net for the patient, the practitioner, and the health care facility. Our team has been managing aspirin overdose for more than 50 years. While we may not see as many aspirin overdoses as we did decades ago, we have helped manage several life-threatening overdoses in the last couple of months. These cases have been a good reminder that aspirin overdose is still happening, and patients can deteriorate rapidly, especially if not treated urgently. This Poison Alert will focus on HIGH-RISK salicylate overdose since these overdoses can be the ..read more

For most people, exposure to metal fumes at a high level is not very likely, but there is still a risk if you or someone close to you works with certain metals. One common call we receive at the poison center is about overheating  Teflon® and if this can cause metal fume fever. If Teflon® is heated to a high temperature, it releases fumes that can cause polymer fume fever. In this article, we’ll look at these two types of exposures, how they are different, and ways to protect yourself and your family.   What is metal fume fever? Metal fume fever is a result of someone inhaling t ..read more

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Poison control centers across the US say they are seeing a steep increase in calls related to semaglutide, an injected medication used for diabetes and weight loss, with some people reporting symptoms related to accidental overdoses. Learn more in this article: Accidental overdose of weight-loss drugs lead to major increase in calls to Missouri poison centers ..read more

The Excelsior Springs Substance Abuse-Free Environment (SAFE) coalition welcomed Amanda Ruback, community outreach coordinator from the Missouri Poison Center, to discuss new drug trend statistics harming Missouri’s youth. Learn more in this article: New drug ‘Xylazine’ poses danger to youth ..read more

Promoted as a quick fix for fatigue, stress, and altitude sickness, canned oxygen has gained attention for its perceived revitalizing properties. However, like any wellness product, understanding what this product is, what it claims to do, and the potential risks associated with its usage is crucial for making informed decisions about incorporating it into our lives. What is canned oxygen used for? Canned oxygen is packaged oxygen in a portable canister. The oxygen in the cans is from the ambient air, purified, and then pressurized into a canister for convenient use. Marketing for this product ..read more

Does this old chestnut of a mnemonic describe patients you have seen in the emergency room? These symptoms outline anticholinergic poisoning, a possible result of some plants and many drugs, one of the most common being diphenhydramine overdose. MANIFESTATIONS OF ANTICHOLINERGIC POISONING The peripheral manifestations of the blockade of muscarinic receptors include warm, flushed skin, dilated pupils, blurry near vision and intolerance of bright light, dry axilla and oral membranes, urinary retention and quiet bowel, hyperthermia, and tachycardia with elevated blood pressure. Central manifesta ..read more

Often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, immune function, and more. While getting enough vitamin D is essential, it’s equally important to be aware of the potential risks of excessive intake, leading to toxicity of vitamin D. As advocates for health and safety, let’s explore the ins and outs of vitamin D, how much is too much, and what to do if you suspect toxicity. What is vitamin D responsible for?  Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized by the body when exposed to sunlight. It helps regulate calcium and phosphate metabolism ..read more

Lamp oil is popular in households, especially as the weather gets colder and we move into the winter months. With a warm ambient glow, humans have used lamp oil for centuries to light their surroundings. However, it’s essential to consider the safety and risks of having lamp oil in your home. At the Missouri Poison Center, we receive calls asking about the safety of lamp oil or what to do if someone swallows it. So, let’s shed some light on this topic. What is lamp oil made of? Lamp oil is usually a combination of chemicals called hydrocarbons and sometimes alcohols and fragrances. It has a wa ..read more

In recent years, Ozempic (semaglutide) has gained significant attention for its effectiveness in promoting weight loss alongside its primary use in managing type 2 diabetes. As with any medication, concerns about its safety and potential for overdose arise. In this blog post, we will explore the safety profile of Ozempic in the context of weight loss, its recommended dosage, and the potential risks associated with overdose. What is Ozempic? Ozempic is a medication that belongs to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is designed to mimic the effects of the GLP-1 ho ..read more