DRUG & POISON INFORMATION CENTER | |
Accidental Exposure to Substances at School:
Keeping Safety Top of Mind
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Now that school is back in swing, it is important for parents and teachers to be aware of accidental exposures at school from items such as gel pens, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizers and glue.
Overall, America’s Poison Centers receive around 30,000 calls about school exposures every year. While some of them may occur due to dares or pranks, most are unintentional and avoidable. Examples of exposures that typically happen during school hours include licking hand sanitizer, chewing on pens or pencils, drinking nicotine liquid, and swallowing parts of a plant.
Please see below for more information about the types of calls we receive about exposures that occur at school. Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, but many can be easily prevented by sharing information and spreading awareness. If you’re a parent, feel free to share this with your school and teachers. If you’re a teacher, please share with your colleagues!
Top Calls Related to Accidental Exposures at School
1. Medications
Medication overdose during school hours typically happens during those hectic mornings when parents are just trying to make it out the door on time. In this scenario, one parent hasn’t communicated to the other parent that he or she gave their child medication, and the child accidentally gets two doses.
Or, one of the parents gave their child medication when it was supposed to happen at school that day. In either of these scenarios, a chart may help to give a visual representation of the schedule, which may improve communication.
2. Hand sanitizer
Schools use hand sanitizer because it’s the quickest and easiest way to prevent illness from spreading. But hand sanitizers can contain over 60% ethyl alcohol, the same type found in beer or wine.
Due to their small size, children are more likely to experience toxicity symptoms than adults if they accidentally ingest hand sanitizers. It can affect their central nervous system and slow down breathing.
Teach kids how to use hand sanitizers safely, by rubbing it in thoroughly and telling them to never lick their hands or rub their eyes right after use. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping the hand surface wet with hand sanitizer for at least 15 seconds.
3. Pens, pencils and glue
Children use pencils and pens in school every day. When kids absent-mindedly chew on pens, the ink can explode in their mouths. Most pen ink is non-toxic and tolerated well if some gets in the mouth.
We also get calls from worried parents and teachers because a child has eaten or chewed on a pencil, and they’re concerned about lead poisoning. Fortunately, pencils are now made of graphite and not lead.
Even though school glue is non-toxic, it should not be eaten.
4. Plants and berries
Recess is a time for fun and activity. Keeping children safe is always a priority for everyone. Remind young children to not play with mushrooms or plants including any berries during recess to avoid accidental ingestions or choking risks.
School safety is a partnership between parents, teachers and administrators. If you suspect an exposure has occurred, call the Drug and Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. Our specialists are available to provide free, confidential advice 24/7/365.
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Understanding Edible Mushroom Products | |
Edible mushroom products, often marketed as candy like chocolate bars, gummies, or snacks, are available in retail shops, online stores, smoke/vape shops, and even gas stations or convenience stores.
Claims have been made that edible mushroom products can be beneficial for treating mental health issues. However, these products are not regulated, so their contents and safety are questionable.
Here’s what parents need to know:
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What’s in Edible Mushroom Products?
It’s important to note mushroom products are not FDA-approved and may contain unspecified and unknown ingredients or contaminants.
Some mushroom products list psilocybin or muscimol on the list of ingredients.
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Psilocybin: Found in certain types of mushrooms, commonly known as “magic mushrooms,” psilocybin is a naturally occurring hallucinogenic chemical.
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Muscimol: Found in certain species of Amanita mushrooms, known as “Fly Agaric,” muscimol also has hallucinogenic effects.
Both psilocybin and muscimol have been used in religious rituals and recreationally for their mind-altering effects.
Effects and Risks of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
Psilocybin:
- May cause confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Can lead to distortions of space and time, impaired judgment, and perception.
- In larger doses, it can cause seizures, kidney failure, panic reactions, and acute psychosis.
Muscimol:
- In low doses, it may cause drowsiness and confusion.
- In higher doses, it can cause serious symptoms like seizures and coma.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing involves taking small amounts of psychedelics, such as mushrooms or LSD, to gain health benefits without intoxicating effects. Users claim it improves mood, cognitive function, creativity, and problem-solving skills, and may help with mental health disorders. However, research on its safety and effectiveness is limited, and unpredictable effects can range from mild euphoria to severe hallucinations.
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Talking to Your Kids About Edible Mushroom Products
Conversation Starters with Older Kids
- Stay calm and prepare for the conversation.
- Focus on your child’s health and well-being, not on bad behaviors or punishments.
- Avoid judgment and consider granting your child “immunity” to encourage honesty.
- Ask open-ended questions to encourage more conversation.
- Reassure your child of your support and that they can confide in you.
- If your child is using substances, ask why to understand their motivations and needs.
- Set clear expectations about behavior and communicate these to your child.
Safety Tips for Younger Children
- Teach children never to accept candy or snacks that are not in the original packaging.
- Verify the labels of candy and snacks to ensure their safety whenever possible.
- Keep all edible products out of sight and out of reach of children or in a locked cabinet.
If you suspect your child has accidentally ingested an edible mushroom product, please call the Drug and Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. Our specialists are available to provide free, confidential advice 24/7/365.
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Inhalant Use: What to look for and current trends |  | |
What is Inhalant Use?
Inhalant use involves inhaling fumes from everyday household products to achieve a "high" caused by oxygen deprivation. There are several methods for inhaling these fumes, including:
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Huffing: Soaking a rag or piece of clothing with the substance and breathing in the fumes.
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Bagging: Spraying or pouring a substance into a plastic bag and inhaling the fumes.
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Sniffing: Inhaling directly from the container.
Who Uses Inhalants?
Inhalant use is more prevalent among younger adolescents, particularly those in middle school, a trend not seen with other substances. Older teens are less likely to use inhalants, possibly due to the perception that inhalants are "kids' drugs" and the availability of other substances as they get older. According to the 2024 Monitoring the Future study, most inhalant initiation happens by 9th grade and often starts in 7th grade, making middle school a critical time for intervention.
What Products Can Be Used as Inhalants?
Inhalants are common household, school, or workplace items. When used according to their intended purpose, these products are generally safe, but they can be harmful when intentionally inhaled.
Common inhalants include:
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Aerosols: Deodorant, air freshener, hairspray, spray paint, and whipped cream chargers that contain nitrous oxide.
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Solvents: Found in paint thinners, gasoline, certain glues, nail polish remover, and correction fluid.
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Others: Helium, propane, air conditioner coolant, and lighter fluid.
A recent trend involves using "Galaxy Gas," a flavored whipped cream charger containing nitrous oxide. These larger canisters (up to 500 grams compared to the typical 8 grams) and the availability of enticing flavors increase the risk of misuse, especially among children.
‘Chroming’ is a similar trend that involves inhaling everyday items such as permanent markers, aerosol hairspray or deodorant, spray paint, computer dusters, paint thinners, nail polish, lighter fluid and gasoline to get high from the fumes.
Social media sites have increased the popularity of both trends among teenagers in recent years, and have downplayed dangers associated with misuse of these ordinary products.
What Happens When Someone Uses Inhalants?
Inhalants deprive the body of oxygen, leading to rapid absorption into the bloodstream and effects on the brain, heart, and other organs. The consequences can be short-term, long-term, or even fatal if asphyxiation occurs due to repeated inhalations, suffocation (using plastic bags to inhale), or choking on vomit.
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Short-term effects: Dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion, slurred speech, lack of coordination, and unconsciousness.
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Long-term effects: Damage to the brain, nerves, kidneys, liver, muscles, and bone marrow. Addiction can also occur, both physically and psychologically.
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Sudden Sniffing Death: This is a condition where the user’s heartbeat becomes irregular due to oxygen deprivation, leading to sudden death. This can happen with any inhalant use, including first time use.
Some signs of Inhalant Use
- Unusual amounts of household products being purchased or disappearing.
- Presence of plastic bags, chemical-smelling rags, or empty containers.
- Chemical odor on the breath or clothes.
- Rash on the face or persistent sore throat.
- Behavioral changes such as new friends, declining grades, or sudden health or weight changes.
How to Prevent Inhalant Use
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Talk with children (especially middle schoolers) about the dangers of inhalants.
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Teach safe use of household products and explain that misuse can be deadly.
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Include inhalants in discussions about substance use.
What to Do If You Suspect Inhalant Use
- Keep the individual calm and do not argue. Stress can worsen the situation and increase the risk of sudden sniffing death.
- If the person is unresponsive, not breathing, or having seizures, call 911 immediately.
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To learn more about inhalant use or to discuss the next best steps to manage an inhalant exposure, please call the Drug and Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. Our specialists are available to provide free, confidential advice 24/7/365.
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© 2024 By the Cincinnati Drug & Poison Information Center (DPIC)
Editors: Alysha Behrman RN, MSN, CSPI, OCPC, ICPS; Sheila Goertemoeller PharmD, DABAT, OCPC, ICPS ; Julia Conroy; Jewel Sisk; Jonathan Colvin, RN, MS; Shan Yin, MD, MPH
The opinions expressed herein are those of the contributing authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor, publisher or supporting institutions. DPIC is a service of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Children’s Hospital Research Foundation. Services are also supported by: the US Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA), the Ohio Department of Health, Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS). Additional support for DPIC services is provided by Cuyahoga Department of Health and Human Services and additional member hospitals.
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