Iowa Poison Control Center

01/16/2026

🚨 January = Peak Carbon Monoxide Season

Did you know January is the deadliest month for CO poisoning? At least two people die each day from carbon monoxide poisoning this month.

Prevention is key:

👉Install CO detectors on every floor
👉Never warm up cars in garages
👉Keep vents clear of snow
👉Check furnaces annually

If you suspect CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately and call 1-800-222-1222.

01/14/2026

🎥🎨 Calling all Iowa students, K–12!

Do you have a creative way to show poison prevention and home safety? Share your idea in the National Poison Prevention Contest for a chance to be recognized nationwide during National Poison Prevention Week (March 15–21, 2026)!

Students can submit a poster or video that shows how they would teach friends and family about staying safe from poisons at home.

🗓 Deadline: February 3, 2026
🔗 Enter here: bit.ly/nppw-contest-2026

Questions about poison safety? Call the Iowa Poison Control Center anytime: 1-800-222-1222

01/13/2026

It's National Sticker Day! 🏷️

Did you know our poison prevention stickers have been saving lives for decades? These little labels pack a powerful punch – placing our number near your phone or on emergency contacts could be the quickest way to reach help when seconds count.

Want free poison prevention stickers for your home? Call us at 1-800-222-1222 to request your free safety materials.

Because sometimes the smallest stickers make the biggest difference.

01/12/2026

Today we celebrate the pharmacists who help save lives every single day. 💊📞

At the Iowa Poison Control Center, our pharmacists are on the front lines, answering urgent and emergency calls from Iowans, healthcare providers, and first responders 24/7. They use their expertise to assess risks, recommend treatment, and provide calm, clear guidance when it matters most.

Whether it’s a medication mix-up, an overdose, or an exposure to a harmful substance, our pharmacists are here, free, confidential, and just a call away.

Happy National Pharmacist Day to the incredible pharmacists who keep Iowans safe!

01/11/2026

We’re hearing from many Iowans dealing with long-lasting coughs after viral illness. If symptoms hang on, it can be tempting to take extra doses of cold medicine, but doubling up can lead to overdose or other complications.

Take only the recommended amount, and check labels for duplicate ingredients like acetaminophen or decongestants.

Unsure what’s safe? We’re here 24/7: 1-800-222-1222

01/08/2026

January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause lung cancer. Test your home and if you have questions, call us. Our poison specialists are here to help.

01/06/2026

January is here, and so is the cold weather! Remember, antifreeze is a common household item this time of year, but it's also a major poison risk. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. If you suspect a poisoning, call our specialists at 1-800-222-1222 for free advice.

01/04/2026

🎲 It's National Trivia Day!

Q: How often does someone call a poison center in the US?

A: Every 15 seconds! That's right - we're here for you around the clock, answering questions and saving lives.

Fun fact: Most calls can be handled right over the phone, no ER visit needed!

01/03/2026

New year, same mission: keeping Iowans safe. 💚

One simple resolution that could save a life:
📲 Add 1-800-222-1222 to your phone contacts.

Our experts are here 24/7 for:

👉Medication questions
👉Household and workplace exposures
👉Calls from parents, caregivers, and health care providers

Free. Fast. Confidential.
When in doubt, call before you search the internet.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from the Iowa Poison Control Center!

As we move into 2026, we’re grateful for the trust Iowa families, caregivers, and healthcare partners place in us every day. Our team is here for you 24/7, ready to provide fast, expert guidance when seconds matter.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and hopeful New Year! 💙
📞 Save our number: 1-800-222-1222

12/30/2025

🎄 Keeping the Holidays Safe 🎄

The holidays bring joy, excitement, and sometimes unexpected hazards. In this “5 Questions” interview, we share tips on preventing common holiday poisonings - from button batteries and medications to festive plants and holiday décor.

If you think someone may have been exposed to a poison, call the Iowa Poison Control Center anytime at 1-800-222-1222.

Free. Fast. Expert help.

👉 Read the article here:

Among those specific calls is accidental ingestion of button batteries, water beads and alcohol by children. The odds for those accidental poisonings goes up because colder temperatures chase everyone indoors, and children spend more time at home rather than in school or at daycare.