Intentional self-poisoning is the most common method by which youth attempt suicide. The complexity and severity of poisoning and overdose cases managed by the IPCC is increasing. 1. The IPCC is providing a vital service for all Iowans. The IPCC provides 24/7 poison information and emergency treatment advice for all...
Radon is a serious – but preventable – health risk found in many Iowa homes. Because it has no smell, taste, or color, families often don’t know it’s there until they test for it. January is National Radon Action Month, making it an ideal time to learn about radon, test...
Across Iowa, rural hospitals, clinics, and first responders play a vital role in keeping their communities safe. But when distance, weather, or limited local resources make access to specialized care a challenge, the Iowa Poison Control Center (IPCC) helps bridge the gap, connecting every corner of the state to expert...
More medicines are being made in gummy form, from vitamins to pain relievers and cold products. While convenient, they can easily be mistaken for candy by children. If your child swallows medicine they shouldn’t, whether pills, liquid, or gummies, knowing what to do right away can prevent serious harm. Is...
The new school year is here! As families in Iowa adjust to new schedules, busy mornings, and after-school activities, it’s the perfect time to revisit safety at home. While backpacks, lunches, and homework may be top of mind, poison prevention should be on every parent’s checklist. The Iowa Poison Control...
As a parent, there's no greater fear than seeing your child in danger. For one mom, that fear became a terrifying reality when her curious five-year-old decided to taste the "tiny grapes" growing on a vine up the side of their front yard tree. In the blink of an eye,...
As the seasons change and the weather warms, Iowans aren't the only ones emerging from their homes. Insects like ants and wasps become more active, leading many to reach for ant killers and wasp sprays. While these products can be effective at controlling pests, they can also pose a significant risk to the health and safety of our children.
As the weather warms up and we head outdoors to enjoy Iowa's beautiful landscapes, it's essential to be aware of the potential for encounters with poisonous (venomous) snakes. While most snakes like the garter and bullsnake are harmless, Iowa is home to four species of venomous snakes: the prairie rattlesnake,...
Winter brings with it the joy of snowball fights, the beauty of frosty landscapes and the warmth of cozy firesides. But it also brings the risk of freezing temperatures that can spell trouble for our vehicles. To combat this, many of us turn to antifreeze, a critical tool in our...
As winter wraps us in its chilly embrace, we often find ourselves reaching for that trusty bottle of over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicine to combat the common cold or flu. It's a familiar scene in many households: the sniffling, the coughing, the general feeling of being under the weather. But while...
