Maryland Poison Center (MPC)

09/03/2026

Whether you’re moving into a dorm or sending the kids back to class, now is a great time to test the carbon monoxide detector in your home. Press the test button, check the battery, and check the date on the unit to make sure it isn’t expired.

09/02/2026

Keeping cold foods cold and hot foods hot is key for a safe summer BBQ. Do not let food sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours or one hour if it is over 90°F degrees. Call 1-800-222-1222 for questions about food safety or food poisoning.

09/01/2026

September is National Preparedness Month! Poisonings can happen to anyone at any time. The best way to be prepared is to save the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone. Learn more about poison preparedness in our previously published blog- https://bit.ly/2Fk60m8

08/31/2026

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. The Maryland Poison Center is here when you need us. If you suspect a poisoning or overdose, contact your local poison center by calling 1-800-222-1222 for fast, free, and expert guidance.

08/28/2026

Going on a trip before the summer ends? Remember that poisonings can happen anywhere, even on vacation. Luckily, you can reach your local poison center anywhere in the U.S by calling 1-800-222-1222. For more info, read our Travel Tips for Poison Safety blog-

Travel plans bring excitement and change, but they can also bring new risks. New places, different routines, and common traveling mistakes can all increase the risk of poisonings.

08/27/2026

This back to school season, teach children how to sanitize safely! Supervise children when using hand sanitizers and teach them that only 1-2 pumps are needed to clean their hands. Call 1-800-222-1222 if someone swallows hand sanitizer or it gets in their eye(s).

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! The best way to celebrate your furry friends is to keep them safe! Check out these common poisons to make sure you keep them up, away, and out of sight of pets. For Pet Poison Helpline, call 1-800-213-6680. For ASPCA, call 888-426-4435.

08/25/2026

As school starts back up, remember that caffeine overdose is a real thing! Drinking too much caffeine can cause unwanted symptoms such as headache, increased heart rate, and anxiety. Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 400mg of caffeine per day. Call 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Help.

08/24/2026

Poisonings can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Call 1-800-222-1222 right away when a poisoning occurs for fast, free, and expert guidance. If someone is experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

08/21/2026

Today is National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. Even small amounts of fentanyl can be dangerous and even deadly. Prevent fentanyl exposures by never taking medicines or substances that weren’t prescribed to you or obtained from a licensed pharmacy. If you think someone has been exposed to fentanyl, call 1-800-222-1222 for free, expert guidance. In a life-threatening emergency or suspected overdose, call 911 immediately.