News (2020)

See how the Maryland Poison Center is making headlines across the state of Maryland and beyond in 2020.

Please visit the news archive to explore stories that highlight previous accomplishments at the Maryland Poison Center.

Recent News:

chemical sign for novichok Novichoks, Nerve Agents in the News Spotlighted in December Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: December 18, 2020
Nerve agents or organophosphates are chemical warfare agents that have been in the news recently, specifically Novichoks. Read more...
Child with face paint on it's face and hands  Will Kids Really Eat That? Highlighted in Nov./Dec. Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: November 17, 2020
Children learn about their environment by exploring. They look, touch, and taste. Sometimes, the things they taste are a real head scratcher, but are they actually harmful? Let’s take a look at some common items often mentioned in the calls we receive. Read more...
Person laying in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Spotlighted in November Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: November 11, 2020
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) involves inhalation of 100% oxygen at pressures >1 atmosphere which increases oxygen tension within the body. HBO is used for air embolisms, tissue healing, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Read more...
Antacid tablets of multiple colors Milk-alkali Syndrome Spotlighted in October Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: October 26, 2020
In the 1920’s, adverse effects including irritability, nausea and vomiting were observed in patients that had been ingesting large amounts of milk, cream and alkali for peptic ulcer disease. These patients also exhibited hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and elevated serum bicarbonate levels. In 1949, Dr. Charles Burnett termed this constellation of effects as the “milk and alkali syndrome”. Read more...
a medicine bottle with 3 little pink pill tablets sitting next to it The Benadryl Challenge Spotlighted in September Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: September 28, 2020
There is a dangerous new game that teens are playing: the Benadryl challenge. Videos on the social media app TikTok dare teens to take as many Benadryl (diphenhydramine) tablets as necessary to hallucinate while capturing it on video to share with others. Read more...
hand holding a cell phone with the contact for Maryland Poison Center on the screen Poison Emergency Preparedness Highlighted in Sept./Oct. Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: September 15, 2020
September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Let’s look at some steps that families can take to make sure they are prepared for a poison emergency. Read more...
Oleander Plant Oleandrin and Other Cardioactive Steroids Spotlighted in August Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: August 26, 2020
Recently, oleandrin has been suggested for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 without any evidence. Oleandrin, one of multiple cardioactive steroid(s) (CAS), is derived from the Nerium oleander plant. Read more...
hand holding bug spray, spraying towards the arm Insect Repellents Highlighted in July/Aug. Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: July 20, 2020
When used correctly, insect repellents don’t pose a threat to humans. But if you use too much or apply it in the wrong way, there can be unwanted effects. Read more...
a bottle of isopropyl alcohol Renal Injury with Isopropyl Alcohol? Spotlighted in July Issue of MPC's ToxTdibits
Date Published: July 17, 2020
Isopropyl alcohol is reported to be approximately twice as inebriating as ethanol and can cause significant CNS depression. Isopropyl alcohol also causes pseudo‐renal failure with a false elevation of the serum creatinine. Read more...
white pills Methadone and COVID-19 Spotlighted in June Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: June 16, 2020
In March, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, state and federal regulators eased restrictions on take home methadone to maintain social distancing and protect patients and staff. As a result of a change in regulations, there is concern regarding more methadone available on the street. Read more...
bottle of bleach Bleach Exposures During COVID-19 Spotlighted in May Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: May 20, 2020
As a result of an increase in the use and misuse of household bleach by adults, and because these products are kept where small children have easy access to them, cases handled by U.S. poison centers have increased compared to before the pandemic. Read more...
baby crawling on floor First-time Parent's Guide to Poison Proofing Your Home Highlighted in May/Jun. Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: May 6, 2020
As a new parent, it’s exciting each time your baby reaches a new milestone. As soon as a baby starts to scoot, crawl, cruise, or walk, it’s time to baby proof. Read more...
Nutmeg seeds next to ground nutmeg  The Nutmeg Challenge Spotlighted in March Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: April 16, 2020
The MPC has received several calls in the past few weeks about teens who ingested nutmeg after watching social media videos describing the “Nutmeg Challenge”. Ground nutmeg and nutmeg seeds ingested in large amounts can produce hallucinogenic effects. Read more...
Chloroquine written on chalkboard with chemical makeup illustrated below Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Spotlighted in March Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: March 20, 2020
Chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are used for the treatment and prevention of malaria and inflammatory conditions. Recently it is being studied for the treatment of coronavirus (COVID-19). CQ and HCQ have a very narrow therapeutic window. Read more...
cell phone with 1-800-222-1222 dialed on screen  Don't Search, Just Call Highlighted in Mar./Apr. Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: March 18, 2020
No matter what we have a question about, our first thought is to search the internet. When it comes to someone using a medicine or household product in the wrong way or in the wrong amount, you can get accurate information in seconds by pressing 10 buttons: 800-222- 1222. Read more...
Colorful outlines of poisons on top of text stating National Poison Prevention Week 2020 dates and describes how almost anything can be poisonous Maryland Poison Center Celebrates National Poison Prevention Week
Date Published: February 28, 2020
Observed March 15-21, National Poison Prevention Week helps raise awareness about the dangers of poisonings and promotes steps that families can take to prevent them. Read more...
A 30mL vial of Perscription Acetylcysteine injection.   What's New with NAC Spotlighted in February Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: February 13, 2020
N-acetylcyteine (NAC) prevents hepatotoxicity from acute and chronic acetaminophen overdoses. The oral and intravenous dosing regimens vary. Recently, there has been debate regarding whether the standard dosing regimen is appropriate for all patients. Read more...
Colorful outlines of poisons on top of text stating National Poison Prevention Week 2020 dates and describes how almost anything can be poisonous National Poison Prevention Week Spotlighted in January Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: January 21, 2020
National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) is March 15-21, 2020. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death, and the seventh leading cause of nonfatal injury treated in the emergency department for all ages. Read more...
Two champagne glasses clinked together against a backdrop of red and gold streamer ribbons. Poison Safety and New Year's Resolutions Highlighted in Jan./Feb. Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: January 16, 2020
Happy New Year! Whether you’ve made a new resolution or are rededicating yourself to a resolution you made last year (or many years ago), poison safety can impact the steps you take to achieve your goals. Read more...