Here's just one common example of a product that almost everyone would likely have sitting in their homes right now:
This particular product claims that it is all natural and plant-derived formula which implies it would be less toxic than other comparable surface cleaning agents.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers are enabled to help prevent and treat poison exposures. With 55 locations and open 24 hours a day, just in the past year they have received over 2.8 million phone calls. There phone number, toll-free: 1.800.222.1222, is available for anyone who may suspect they have been exposed, or even just for education on toxic awareness.
This education is conveniently provided by the AAPCC website in the form of their poison alerts. Listed below are some of these current alerts and a brief description of them:
- Hand Sanitizer- these products have become a staple within our culture over the last decade. It has been pressed within our schools, workplaces, and of course the healthcare field. The risk comes from more of our younger population. Go inside any Bath & Body Works, or retail shop, and see all the glitter filled, colorful hand sanitizer bottles and that will illustrate the marketing factor for these products. Alcohol concentrations within hand sanitizers are well over 5-6 times higher than that found in hard liquors. (e.g., 40%-95%)
- Bath Salts- Also known as synthetic cathinones, bath salts have been on the rise since 2012. The AAPCC reports, in the past year alone, they took in 2,697 calls. Out of all the calls, the highest percentile were from individuals in the 20-29 age range. Bath salts illicit hallucinogenic symptoms as well as delusions, panic attacks, and in some cases seizures. The AAPCC warns that these substances are some of the worst and to contact the poison center if you suspect you have been exposed to these drugs.
- Opioids- Only in the past decade, this ever-growing epidemic of opioid dependency and overdoses has become a profound issue within our society. A majority of the initial exposure occurs from our hospitals and doctor-related prescriptions. The catalyst for this interest often begins from the patient's need for pain relief medication. Narcotics are a subcategory analgesics which reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain.
- Laundry Detergent Packets- The highest recorded exposures to toxic detergent packets occurred in children under the age of 5. In 2016, there were over 11,500 cases of poison exposure to single-load packets.
- E-Cigarettes and Liquid Nicotine- Reports from AAPCC shows most exposures from liquid nicotine occur to children under the age of 6 years old. It is recommended that adults with exposure to these substances should take extra caution to protect their skin from contamination.
- Synthetic Cannabinoids- In the past 12 months, the AAPPC reported 2,695 exposures of this drug known as "synthetic marijuana". This illicit drug contains a powerful chemical called cannibimimetics. Many common symptoms to this toxic exposure substance include psychotic episodes, seizures, tremors, vomiting, and suicidal thoughts. One key factor in the rise of synthetic cannabinoids poisonings is due to the marketing. The AAPPC states these substances are created specifically for abuse.
- Food & Mushroom Poisonings- Food poisoning may be one of the most common, taken-for-granted poisoning from the above list. As humans, we consume food on a daily basis, and often times are not mindful of every single thing we ingest. However, food-borne illnesses occur and are usually severe. The CDC reports an approximate 1 in 6 americans (48 million people) are exposed to some level of food poisoning each year. The symptoms can range from mild to lethal which include: nausea, fevers, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. Left untreated, many succumb to the infection. For more information and resources from the CDC follow the link here.
Seen below here is a common herbal tea company. One wouldn't expect that a product, which claims to be organic and natural, would have any potential toxic substances harmful to humans.
With an ingredient list of only 2-3 components, herbal teas are one of the healthiest drinks available and often provide several medicinal benefits. But continue to the picture below, from the same box, and look closely at the statements related to the product packaging components.
When drinking our hot tea, many of us probably do not think about the staples or glue within our tea bag. Clearly stated here with Mighty Leaf, the ensure these potentially toxic substances are not used in their products. This is a profoundly encouraging step in the right direction! The more we know.
CURRENT ANNUAL REPORT
A few highlights from AAPCC's current annual report that bares mention is the fatalities and suicide rates within the nation. In the past decade, there has been a 20% increase in suspected suicides. There is a correlation (whether directly or indirectly) to poison exposure. Other fatalities have been reported caused by various products to include: plants, cosmetics, prescription drugs, accidental overdoses, etc.
- Age & Gender- Females within the age range of 50-59.
- Chronicity- 87.2% were acute, single, repeated, or under 8 hours of exposure
- Reasons for exposure-Unintentional exposure
- Scenarios-unexpectedly took medication multiple times
- Top Substances-Pain relievers, cleaning substances, cosmetics, antipsychotics
- Route of Exposure- ingestion with the 2nd being dermal
