Squishy sensory toys and stress balls are popular with children and teens. Designed to be squeezed, stretched and manipulated, these toys can provide entertainment and sensory stimulation.
But what happens when a child bites into a squishy toy, it breaks open or someone tries to heat it?
The Iowa Poison Control Center (IPCC) has seen an increase in exposure cases involving squishy sensory toys and stress balls in 2026 compared to the previous two years. Most cases have involved children biting into or rupturing the toys, resulting in contact with or ingestion of the filling.
As students head back to school, parents are busy filling backpacks with notebooks, folders, pencils, water bottles, and lunchboxes. But some everyday items commonly found in backpacks can pose a poisoning risk if they are used improperly or accidentally swallowed. Before the first day of school, take a few minutes...
Summer in Iowa means more time outside and more encounters with mosquitoes and ticks. To help prevent bites, many families use insect repellents. One of the most common questions parents ask is:
Summer means more grilling, bonfires, camping, and yard work. But products commonly used during warm weather — like gasoline, lighter fluid, charcoal starter, lamp oil, and torch fuel — can be very dangerous if swallowed or inhaled, especially for children.
Many of these products are called hydrocarbons, a group of chemicals found in fuels and oils. Even a small amount can cause serious breathing problems if it accidentally goes into the lungs.
Warmer weather means more time outside, and for kids, that often means exploring everything within reach.
Unfortunately, that curiosity sometimes includes putting things in their mouths that aren’t meant to be eaten.
The good news? Most of these situations can be managed safely with the right guidance, and that’s where the Iowa Poison Control Center (IPCC) comes in.
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...
