Mississippi Poison Control Center at UMMC

01/29/2026

Do you know all the ways that Poison Centers support families and communities? Their benefits go beyond 24/7 emergency help to families and healthcare providers. Poison Centers are a critical part of the nation's healthcare system.

A new report from RAND shows Poison Centers help reduce emergency department visits, shorten hospital stays, reduce risk of death, improve patient outcomes, and support public health surveillance all the while improving peace of mind for families and healthcare providers.

Learn more at https://poisoncenters.org/national-impact-study

01/28/2026

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning.

Many household items including gas- and oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills produce this poison gas.

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.”

If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping, drunk, or under the influence of other substances can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms.

CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces.

CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. However, you can reduce your risk of CO poisoning with a few small steps.

Some tips:
Install battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home.

Consider buying a detector with a digital readout. This type of detector can tell you the highest level of CO concentration in your home, in addition to sounding an alarm.

Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.

Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly. Horizontal vent pipes for appliances, such as a water heater, should go up slightly as they go toward outdoors. This prevents CO from leaking if the joints or pipes aren't fitted tightly.

Never heat your house with a gas oven. Don't cook or burn anything on a stove or fireplace that isn't vented.

Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal - red, gray, black, or white - gives off CO.

Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors. Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors.

Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.

Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from any windows, doors, and vents.

When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home.

More detailed information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html

01/26/2026

According to a new report, for every $1 invested in Poison Center services, communities receive $16.77 in benefits. That includes 24/7 expert guidance, prevention and education programs, disaster response assistance, and life-saving help when it matters most.

Read more at https://poisoncenters.org/national-impact-study

01/21/2026

A new independent report from RAND published today confirms U.S. Poison Centers are an essential life-saving service that save 3.1 billion each year in healthcare costs and benefits. Poison Centers are a critical part of our nation’s
emergency response, prevention and education efforts, and public health surveillance. Through the Poison Help line (1 -800-222-1222), Poison Centers provide 24/7 fast, free, expert guidance to people when they need it most.

👇Read the full report at:
https://poisoncenters.org/national-impact-study

12/31/2025

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.

12/11/2025

🚫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