Iowa Poison Control Center

01/04/2026

🎲 It's National Trivia Day!

Q: How often does someone call a poison center in the US?

A: Every 15 seconds! That's right - we're here for you around the clock, answering questions and saving lives.

Fun fact: Most calls can be handled right over the phone, no ER visit needed!

01/03/2026

New year, same mission: keeping Iowans safe. 💚

One simple resolution that could save a life:
📲 Add 1-800-222-1222 to your phone contacts.

Our experts are here 24/7 for:

👉Medication questions
👉Household and workplace exposures
👉Calls from parents, caregivers, and health care providers

Free. Fast. Confidential.
When in doubt, call before you search the internet.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from the Iowa Poison Control Center!

As we move into 2026, we’re grateful for the trust Iowa families, caregivers, and healthcare partners place in us every day. Our team is here for you 24/7, ready to provide fast, expert guidance when seconds matter.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and hopeful New Year! 💙
📞 Save our number: 1-800-222-1222

12/30/2025

🎄 Keeping the Holidays Safe 🎄

The holidays bring joy, excitement, and sometimes unexpected hazards. In this “5 Questions” interview, we share tips on preventing common holiday poisonings - from button batteries and medications to festive plants and holiday décor.

If you think someone may have been exposed to a poison, call the Iowa Poison Control Center anytime at 1-800-222-1222.

Free. Fast. Expert help.

👉 Read the article here:

Among those specific calls is accidental ingestion of button batteries, water beads and alcohol by children. The odds for those accidental poisonings goes up because colder temperatures chase everyone indoors, and children spend more time at home rather than in school or at daycare.

12/28/2025

As the holiday season wraps up, remember we're here to help you start the new year safely. If you need advice about potential poisoning risks, don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-222-1222. 🎄☎️

12/26/2025

Great reminder as you unwrap those holiday gifts 🎁

If you had hand-held video games, watches or any other electronics under your tree, those shiny, button-sized batteries were likely in the box, too, and those batteries can be a critical problem if a child swallows one. Janna Day, a nurse and the education and outreach manager at the Iowa Poison Con...

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas!🎄🎅

From our Iowa Poison Control Center family to yours, we hope your holiday is merry and bright!🌟

12/24/2025

Holiday cooking often means new recipes with potentially unfamiliar ingredients. If you're unsure about a food item's safety, our certified poison specialists are here to help! Call us anytime for free advice. 🍽️☎️

12/23/2025

Be sure to check out this story regarding holiday plants, BEFORE your holiday festivities begin.

While poinsettias have an undeserved reputation for being poisonous, as you’d have to eat a few hundred poinsettia leaves to get sick, an expert says two other traditional holiday plants are potentially toxic. Janna Day, a nurse and the education and outreach manager at the Iowa Poison Control Cen...

12/21/2025

❄️ Winter officially arrives today! As temperatures drop, let's talk about a hidden winter danger: antifreeze.

Did you know? Antifreeze is deceivingly sweet-tasting but extremely toxic. Even small amounts can be life-threatening to children and pets.

👪Keep Your Family Safe:
• Store antifreeze in original containers
• Clean up spills immediately
• Keep containers sealed and out of reach
• Check garage floors regularly for leaks
• Never transfer antifreeze to food containers
• Dispose of used antifreeze properly

🚨 Warning Signs of Exposure:
• Confusion
• Nausea/vomiting
• Drowsiness• Rapid breathing
• Seizures

If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, call us immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Every minute counts!

12/18/2025

As the holiday season approaches, it's essential to ensure your kids' safety when selecting toys.

Choose age-appropriate toys that match your child's development stage. Avoid toys with small parts that could pose choking hazards. For more toy safety tips, head over to our website and read our latest blog post 👇🏻

https://www.iowapoison.org/news-and-recalls/toy-safety-and-the-hidden-poison-dangers-protecting-our-children

12/10/2025

The perfect gift for a safe holiday season? Our free poison prevention packets! Visit iowapoison.org to request yours today. 🎁📖