Mississippi Poison Control Center at UMMC

12/19/2025

🧐 Three Key Reasons to Check the Label:
❗Prevent Accidental Overdoses (Especially Acetaminophen): Many cold and flu products, pain relievers, and even some sleep aids contain the same active ingredient, like Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Taking the recommended dose of two different products that both contain Acetaminophen can lead to a dangerous, potentially fatal overdose.

❗Avoid Dangerous Drug Interactions: Ingredients in one medication can interfere with a prescription drug you are already taking. Always check the label and consult your pharmacist or doctor about potential interactions.

❗Watch Out for Allergens: The "inactive ingredients" (like dyes, fillers, or binders) can sometimes contain common allergens such as gluten, corn starch, or certain preservatives.

12/17/2025

12/11/2025

🚫Never mix cleaning chemicals 💀
We all want a super-clean home, but combining different cleaning products to achieve better results can release dangerous, toxic gases that be harmful.

⚠️ NEVER Mix These Common Pairs:
Bleach + Ammonia: Creates toxic gases called chloramines. Ammonia is found in many glass cleaners, floor waxes, and urine.

Bleach + Vinegar (or other Acids): Creates chlorine gas. Acids are common in toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, and rust removers.

Drain Cleaners: Never mix two different types of drain cleaners, as they can react violently and cause explosions or severe chemical burns.

🚨 If you accidentally mix chemicals and inhale fumes, immediately get fresh air, move to a well-ventilated area, and call your local poison control center 1-800-222-1222

12/09/2025

🧼 Hand Sanitizer Safety: Clean Hands, Healthy Habits! 🧤

⚠️ Safety Tips to Remember:

✅Keep it Out of Reach of Children: Many hand sanitizers smell good (like fruit or candy) and can be mistaken for a treat. Ingesting even a small amount can be dangerous. Always store bottles securely, just like cleaning supplies.

✅Use the Right Amount: Only use a small, dime-sized amount. Rub it into your hands for about 20 seconds until they are completely dry.

✅Supervise Young Children: Kids under 6 should always be supervised when using hand sanitizer to ensure they don't swallow it.

✅Flammability Warning: Hand sanitizers with alcohol are flammable. Make sure your hands are completely dry before touching any heat source, like lighting a candle or using a grill. Do NOT use it before working with fire or chemicals.

✅Store Properly: Keep hand sanitizer out of extreme heat (like a hot car) as this can cause the alcohol to evaporate, making it less effective.

12/06/2025

11/26/2025

Up next, HANDLING YOUR TURKEY SAFELY!

✅Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling turkey.

✅Use one cutting board for raw turkey and a separate cutting board for produce, bread, and other foods that won’t be cooked.

✅Do not wash your turkey! If you do, immediately clean and thoroughly sanitize the sink and surrounding area.

11/25/2025

Next up, THAWING YOUR TURKEY SAFELY 🦃

✅If you thaw your turkey in the refrigerator, expect the turkey to need 24 hours per 5 lb (2.3 kg) of meat to defrost completely.

✅If you thaw your turkey in cold water, put the turkey in a sink filled with cold water below 40 °F (4 °C). Replace the water every 30 minutes to keep the turkey safe. Allow about 30 minutes of thawing for each pound of turkey.

✅If you thaw your turkey in the microwave, follow manufacturer’s instructions on the label. A turkey thawed in the microwave must be cooked immediately after thawing.