Washington Poison Center

09/04/2026

It’s not quite fall, but we’ve already spotted the highly toxic autumn crocus (“naked ladies”). 🌷 It’s not a true crocus, but looks similar with lilac, purple, pink, or white six-petaled petals. Every part of this pretty plant is poisonous. It contains colchicine, which can be fatal if swallowed.

Early signs of poisoning:
🔹 Vomiting
🔹Stomach pain
🔹Severe diarrhea

Serious poisoning:
🔸Dangerously low blood pressure
🔸Respiratory failure.

Have kids or pets who play outside? 👀 Keep an eye out for this fall bloomer and remove it from your yard.

Suspect poisoning? Call the free Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222, 24/7/365. For severe symptoms, call 911.

For pets, call ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435 (a fee may apply) or contact an emergency vet.

09/02/2026

Wonder what people call about the most? So many things! Last year, we consulted on 73,433 substances. 🫨 Many times, we handle complicated situations involving more than one.

The top 5 types?
#1 Pain medications: 11% of all patients
#2 Antidepressants: 6.7%
#3 Cleaning products: 5.9%
#4 Heart medications: 4.7%
#5 Antihistamines: 4.6%
(Other substances: 67%)

We’re ready to help you with any toxic substance that comes your way! Call us 24/7/365, always free and confidential! 1-800-222-1222

08/31/2026

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day 💜 One way to celebrate is becoming informed... We have 23 educational sessions you can start with from our recent Overdose Awareness Series. If you don't have time to watch full sessions, Dr. Jimmy Leonard summarized multiple key sessions in TLDR Summaries. Watch the recordings & summaries: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAmN9PKpPpO0&si=tTDtUuYXquwWmZwT

08/28/2026

We've received lots of calls lately about squishy toys 🫟 breaking open, 👁️splashing kids in the eyes, 🫢 being eaten, and 🔥 exploding from heat. Never leave these toys in a hot car, and keep a close eye on little kids playing with them! Give us a call if an accident happens: 1-800-222-1222

08/27/2026

❓️ Questions about lead poisoning? We're here to help.
📲 If you’re worried about a possible exposure, or you get tested and aren’t sure what the results mean, give us a call at 1-800-222-1222.
👩‍⚕️ We can help you interpret blood lead level, assess risk, and provide expert guidance on what to do next. Have a suspected or confirmed case of lead poisoning? We can help you and your provider take the right next steps quickly.
🫶 We’re here for you, your family, and your doctor: 1-800-222-1222.

08/24/2026

We're excited to be there on Friday! Thanks for including us, MEECA - Manuel Elijah Ellis Community Alliance 💚

🤝 COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: WASHINGTON POISON CENTER

MEECA is proud to welcome the Washington Poison Center as a Community Partner at our Community Kickback: Back-to-School Edition!

Washington Poison Center helps save lives and keep families safe through poison-prevention education and 24/7 expert support.

Stop by the Washington Poison Center resource table to meet their team and learn more about poison prevention, safety information, and resources available to individuals and families.

📅 Friday, August 28, 2026
⏰ 4:00–7:00 PM
📍 Wright Park | 501 S. I St., Tacoma, WA 98405

🎒 Free backpacks & school supplies
🤝 Community resources
🍴 Food vendors
🎵 Live music
🎮 Games & family activities

FREE FAMILY EVENT

💛 Honoring the life & legacy of Manuel “Mannie” Ellis.

Our Community. Our Power. Our Future.

08/24/2026

Did you know...❓️We help you even if you're at the hospital! 🏥 Behind the scenes, our poison specialists and toxicologists help doctors and other healthcare professionals every day to make sure you get the most effective, up-to-date treatment available. In fact, 1 in 3 poison center calls are with healthcare providers! We also work alongside EMTs and first responders to make sure you get to the hospital safely and treated right away. 🚑️ We're always here and always ready... for you and your doctor! 🩺 📲 1-888-222-1222.

08/22/2026

Washington Poison Center here today at Maji Rising at Liberty Park in Spokane. Great food, great music, and great opportunities to share about our work in the community.

Maji Rising exist to ignite the power within our community, so that every person can receive healthcare in the way that they need it: rooted in dignity, informed by culture, and responsive to their lived experience.

We support these same ideals.

08/20/2026

Kids can help tidy up, but only adults should use cleaning sprays, wipes, and other products
🔒 Store cleaning products in their original containers, out of sight & reach of kids. Even better, lock them up!
❌ Never mix cleaning products together... some products can create dangerous fumes when they're mixed
🧐 Always read & follow the label. If you have questions, we are available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222