Author: Tox Team

Beautiful, But Beware: Toxic Holiday Plants You Should Know About 

Posted on by Tox Team

Holiday decorations often include decorative greenery to help get our minds off the drab winter. People may also bring in branches trimmed from evergreen trees and bushes outside their homes. However, sometimes this greenery can be dangerous.  

Holly is commonly associated with winter and holiday decorations, but care should be taken to keep it out of reach of both children and pets, as ingestion can be harmful. Wreaths and other decorations can include holly berries (Ilex species) that are toxic to both humans and pets due to the presence of saponins, chemical compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation when ingested. For humans, the symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. While consuming a few berries may only cause mild discomfort, eating larger amounts can lead to more serious symptoms and requires medical attention.  If holly berries are consumed, it is crucial to contact poison control or a healthcare provider. Holly is easily recognizable by its spiny, dark green leaves and clusters of bright red berries, although some varieties may produce yellow or orange berries.  

Another potentially dangerous evergreen is yew, which produces fleshy red berries with a mild sweet taste. However, the seed inside the berry is poisonous. Taxine alkaloids in the seed can cause upset stomach, drowsiness, trembling, rapid heartbeat, and rapid breathing. If untreated, yew poisoning can lead to low heart rate, abnormal heartbeat, and death from heart failure.  

Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can also suffer from the toxic effects of holly berries, with symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If your pet eats berries or leaves from holly or yew, contact a veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline. 

Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 

https://www.poison.org/articles/holly-berries 

https://www.poison.org/articles/yew-and-paclitaxel 

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/holiday-pet-safety 

 

 

November is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Month

Posted on by Tox Team

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuels. Common sources include automobiles, gasoline-powered lawn equipment, wood stoves, fireplaces, grills, and appliances that burn oil or gas. According to the Blue Ridge Poison Control Center, CO kills around 500 people annually, with many more suffering from related injuries. Portable generators, especially when used too close to homes, are the leading cause of CO fatalities. 

CO is undetectable by sight or smell, so people may not realize they are being exposed. When inhaled, it enters the lungs and binds to red blood cells, preventing oxygen from reaching vital organs. Early symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, and drowsiness, which are often mistaken for the flu. As exposure continues, symptoms may worsen, leading to chest pain, dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Untreated, CO poisoning can result in severe health issues or death. 

Carbon monoxide detectors are critical safety devices that provide an early warning of CO presence, helping to prevent poisoning before symptoms develop.  

In addition to CO detectors, here are some other safety measures to consider:  

  1. Generator Placement: Always position portable power generators at least 20 feet away from your home. This distance helps prevent CO from entering your living space. 
  2. Avoid Enclosed Spaces: Never use generators, grills, or any fuel-burning appliances in enclosed areas like attics, porches, basements, or garages, as these spaces can trap CO.
  3. Vehicle Safety: If you need to warm up your car or motorcycle, always pull it out of the garage first. Even a running engine can produce dangerous levels of CO in an enclosed area.
  4. Annual Maintenance: Have your furnace and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year. This ensures that any leaks or worn parts are identified and repaired, reducing the risk of CO buildup. 
  5. Appliance Use: Use your oven and stovetop strictly for cooking. Do not use them as a heating source for your home, as this can lead to CO accumulation.  

By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. For more information, visit VDH’s Carbon Monoxide FAQ.

Hallucinogenic Mushroom Gummies

Posted on by Tox Team

Mushroom-based products, particularly gummies and chocolates, have surged in popularity since 2023, marketed as either health supplements or hallucinogenic psychedelics. Notable varieties include Amanita muscaria, which contains ibotenic acid and muscimol, and Psilocybe cubensis, known for its psilocybin content. However, these products are associated with serious health risks, including hallucinations, anxiety, nausea, and even seizures, with recent reports of at least five hospitalizations in Virginia and 130 cases nationally linked to their consumption.

Investigations have revealed that many mushroom gummies contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including synthetic psilocybin and stimulants like caffeine and kratom. The FDA has issued recalls for certain products due to these dangerous ingredients, highlighting the unregulated nature of the market. Consumers are advised to be cautious, verify product contents, and report any adverse effects to health authorities.