2024 Issue 4

Welcome to Poison Place News, where the Utah Poison Control Center 

provides up-to-date poison education and alerts for the public and health care professionals. Check out our latest topics and share with others.

The Utah Poison Control Center wishes you a safe and happy holiday season. Poisonings can occur on holidays, too. Make sure you can access poison help quickly

by saving 1-800-222-1222 in your phone.

Save the Poison Help Number

It's easy to scan the QR code or click the button below to save the Poison Help number (1-800-222-1222) in your phone today.

The UPCC Celebrates 70 Years of Excellence

This year marked a significant milestone for the Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC) as it celebrated its 70th anniversary serving Utah residents. The UPCC was established in 1954, making it the second oldest center in the United States. Explore some of the milestones and events over the past 70 years.

The Button Battery… a Small Item That Can Cause a Big Problem

Button batteries, also known as lithium coin batteries, are small silver disk-shaped batteries that are used in many items such as toys, greeting cards, remote controls, shoes, watches, and hearing aids. If swallowed, or placed in the nose or in the ears, they can cause serious injury or, in extreme cases, even death.

Bags & Purses & Pockets,

Oh My!

Gathering for holidays and other events is part of the traditions we hold dear. But, something important to remember is that whenever children are present, there are poison risks to keep in mind and to take action to prevent. In the U.S. each year over 35,000 children under age five visit the hospital Emergency Department because of unintentional medication overdoses.

Lower Temperatures Bring Higher Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO), sometimes referred to as the silent killer, causes more than 100,000 emergency department visits in the United States and more than 400 deaths each year. Spanish/Espanol

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Video

Video & Poster Contest

The National Poison Prevention Week Council is holding a contest to raise awareness among students K-12 nationwide. The 2025 theme is “When the Unexpected Happens, Poison Help is here for you.” You can help tell your friends about poison dangers and how to stay safe from poisoning!

• If you are a student in grades 5-12, you can create a video.
• If you are a student in grades K-4, you can participate in the poster contest.
• Cash prizes available for the Grand Prize, Grade Level and People's Choice Winners!

Content especially for health care professionals

is marked with a stethoscope.

CASE FILES – Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

A 38-year-old male with history of schizoaffective disorder was brought to the ED with altered mental status. The exact reason for referral was unclear, and it was thought he was near his baseline. Initial workup was unremarkable, and the patient was discharged.

The patient was then found unresponsive on the floor shortly after returning home and was brought back to the ED. CK was elevated to about 5000. 

Utah Poison Control Center | utahpoisoncontrol.org

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