As of September 30, 2025, U.S. Poison Centers report no national increase in acetaminophen related exposures this year. Annual acetaminophen exposure cases have remained generally consistent since 2023. To-date, 2025 acetaminophen data is also comparable with the same timeframe in 2024. Poison Centers typically observe the highest numbers of acetaminophen exposures during the fall and winter months due to cold and flu season.

Acetaminophen has long been recognized as a safe and effective medication for relieving pain and reducing fever. However, it is one of the most common substances reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers. Nearly 60% of exposures involve children and teens (19 years and younger), most often due to accidental ingestions or dosing errors. Acetaminophen exposures are more frequently reported in females (61%), and fewer than 1% of cases involve pregnant patients.

While acetaminophen poisoning can be life-threatening, most accidental exposures can be safely managed at home with guidance from a poison center. Severe poisoning is more often associated with intentional self-harm, though many of these patients can be successfully treated in the hospital with the highly effective antidote, N-Acetylcysteine.

To use acetaminophen safely America’s Poison Centers encourages the following:

• Never take more than the recommended daily dose.
• Double check and document doses given to children.
• Check the ingredient list on over-the-counter and prescription products for acetaminophen.
• Store acetaminophen products in their original container, up, away and out-of-reach of children.
• Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) right away if you think too much acetaminophen was taken or a dosing mistake occurred. Visit PoisonHelp.org for online support and resources.

NOTE: 2025 is an incomplete data year. (January 1-September 30) If citing data, cite all data provided as sourced by America’s Poison Centers National Poison Data System.

AMA Recommended Citation: America’s Poison Centers. America’s Poison Centers National Poison Data System. Accessed [Month Day, Year]. https://www.npds.us/

New Partnership Includes a Joint Research Study and Aims to Raise Awareness and Protect Families from a Leading Cause of Injury for Young Children

Safe Kids Worldwide and America’s Poison Centers® announced today an innovative three-year partnership dedicated to advancing efforts to protect kids from preventable poisonings. The collaboration will leverage data from America’s Poison Centers National Poison Data System® (NPDS) to conduct a joint research study and engage Safe Kids’ extensive partner network to raise awareness about poison prevention. Education and outreach efforts will amplify the latest in pediatric poisoning trends, maximize impact on poison safety topics, including safe storage, proper use of cleaning products, and medicine safety. U.S. Poison Centers respond to over 2 million poison exposure cases annually with over half of those exposure cases occurring in children and teenagers. In 2024, U.S. Poison Centers managed 815,865 exposure cases in children under 6 years old.  Most poisonings in children younger than 6 years old are unintentional and occur in the home. Make-up and personal care products, household cleaners, medicines, and plants are among the most common poisoning risks for young children. 

“Safe Kids has a long history of using data and research to ensure the scientific integrity of our childhood injury prevention efforts,” said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide. “We’re excited to build on that tradition through a strategic partnership with America’s Poison Centers, a leading organization that so clearly shares our commitment to safety for all children.”

“Poison Centers across the country work 24/7/365 days a year to prevent poison-related health emergencies and provide near real-time poison data that is critical for public health surveillance and monitoring,” said Richard Fogelson, CEO of America’s Poison Centers. “We are proud to partner with Safe Kids Worldwide, whose expertise in childhood injury prevention and long history of impact have made a difference for countless families. Together, we can raise awareness and provide families with the tools they need to prevent poisonings and keep children safe at home and in their communities.”

Safe Kids and America’s Poison Centers will work together to advance research in childhood poisonings and educate families by:

• Conducting a joint pilot research study using data from NPDS to explore sociodemographic and geographic factors associated with increased risk of preventable poisoning among children under the age of six years.
• Conducting regular analysis of calls to Poison Centers impacting children under the age of six to identify emerging risks to children. In addition, America’s Poison Centers and Safe Kids will collaborate to make data more accessible to partners and families through an easy-to-use online interactive dashboard.
• Creating new data and research informed educational resources to support healthcare professionals, families, and caregivers in keeping children safe.
• Building stronger, community-level partnerships and prevention efforts by fostering collaboration between local Poison Control Centers and local Safe Kids coalitions.

About Safe Kids Worldwide
Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries to children ages 0-19 and building sustainable systems that support injury prevention. Safe Kids works with strategic partners and an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the U.S. to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, sleep-related deaths, falls, burns, poisonings, and more. Learn more at safekids.org.

About America’s Poison Centers America’s Poison Centers represent more than 50 Poison Centers across the country. We are united in our cause to prevent poison-related health emergencies in America. Through our national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and website, PoisonHelp.org, we provide all Americans expert advice from nationally accredited medical specialists about poison ingestions and exposures of all kinds, including from medications, insects or chemicals, 24/7/365, at no cost. We also maintain the National Poison Data System® (NPDS), our nation’s only near real-time poisoning data surveillance system, integrating the latest information from across Poison Centers. Together, America’s Poison Centers ensure a national quality standard for the detection, prevention, and treatment of poison-related health emergencies.

America’s Poison Centers^® has seen a sharp increase in cases involving nicotine pouches. These small, often flavored, packets are placed between the lip and gum and release concentrated nicotine. Nicotine is especially harmful for youth. Use in adolescence can harm brain development and lead to nicotine addiction. Accidental exposure of nicotine in young children can lead to life-threatening poisoning.

Nicotine pouch exposure cases reported to U.S. Poison Centers increased 202% from 2022 to 2024 and, as of August 31, 2025, there is a 91.7% increase in nicotine pouch-related exposures compared with the same period in 2024. While case counts increased across all age ranges, children under 6 years old accounted for the majority of exposures (73.1%).

The amount of nicotine in pouches can vary widely, and swallowing even part of one can cause poisoning. Children are at greatest risk of accidental poisoning because of the high nicotine levels, appealing flavors, and lack of child-resistant packaging.

Symptoms related to nicotine pouch poisoning include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pale skin
• Agitation
• Sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• Tremors

Signs of severe poisoning include trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, and seizures.

America’s Poison Centers advises the public to:

• Keep nicotine pouches and all nicotine products stored away from children. Even one pouch can be dangerous if swallowed.
• Talk to kids and teens about the risks of nicotine, including addiction and poisoning.
• Be cautious of flavored products, which can increase the risk of misuse.
• Report any bad reactions to your local Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit PoisonHelp.org.

U.S. Poison Centers have received reports of serious health effects associated with 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), a strong chemical found in the kratom plant. Kratom has been used for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. It is often sold as powders, teas, pills, edibles, or liquid extracts. Products containing Kratom or 7-OH are sometimes marketed as natural remedies for pain, anxiety, or to help with opioid withdrawal. Kratom and 7-OH do not have FDA-approved medical use, and products containing 7-OH have not been proven to be safe or effective. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced they have taken steps to restrict access to 7-OH products due to its strong opioid effects and continue to monitor reports of adverse effects.

From January 1-July 31, 2025 Poison Centers have received 1,690 reports of exposure cases involving Kratom; this total has already passed the total from all of 2024. This trend includes a rising number of cases involving 7-OH.

In 2025, there have been 165 reports of exposures to 7-OH. Of patients reporting exposure to 7-OH alone, 35% had serious health problems and 67% were treated at a healthcare facility.

Symptoms reported after 7-OH use include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Trouble breathing
• Sleepiness or loss of consciousness
• Seizures

America’s Poison Centers advises the public to:

• Avoid products containing 7-OH.Some kratom products have been found to contain potentially dangerous amounts of 7-OH. These products are not tested for safety or effectiveness and are not approved by the FDA to treat any medical conditions.
• Keep all herbal products away from children and pets.
• Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any supplements, especially ones marketed for pain, energy, or mood.
• Report any bad reactionsto your local Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit PoisonHelp.org.

Poison Help (1-800-222-1222/ PoisonHelp.org) provides 24/7 free, expert advice from one of 53 nationally accredited, local Poison Control Centers

May 1, 2025 -- Amid growing health misinformation often tied to social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and other internet resources, America’s Poison Centers urges the public to find the answers to critical, life-saving health information from trusted experts, and accredited resources.

“Poisonings are complex and require the expertise of caring, experienced healthcare professionals who provide customized care for your unique situation,” said Dr. Kait Brown, PharmD, DABAT, Clinical Managing Director, America’s Poison Centers. “Social media, AI summaries, and other internet resources may use information from the internet that is not accurate or is outdated.”

Trusted resources can include:

1. Organizations with accreditation credentials like Poison Control Centers (1-800-222-1222)
2. PoisonHelp.org: the official website of America’s Poison Centers
3. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
4. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

“Every poison control center has valuable knowledge about local hospitals’ capabilities and the environment, such as insects and wildlife, both critical to providing accurate recommendations,” said Wendy Stephan, PhD, MPH, of the Florida Poison Information Center-Miami and Member, America’s Poison Centers Board of Directors. “Poison Centers serve every U.S. state and territory. The power of our national network is that we not only provide recommendations to treat your specific poisoning but we’re also out in the communities we serve, raising awareness and educating families about poison safety.”

U.S. Poison Control Centers manage an average of 2.4 million total cases every year. When you call the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222), you connect with a medical expert at your local poison control center for fast, free, confidential medical advice. All U.S. Poison Centers meet or exceed rigorous accreditation criteria set by America’s Poison Centers.

PoisonHelp.org provides a number of unique and valuable resources including:

• A growing library of poison information, including first aid and poison prevention resources.
• Near real-time poison trends and insights from the National Poison Data System, the only public health surveillance system that integrates the latest information from all 53 U.S. Poison Control Centers.
• Capability in select states to chat online with a real, certified poison center expert for 24/7 advice. In the coming year, America’s Poison Centers will continue to expand online chat across the country.
• Online Get Poison Help tool, where users can access immediate expert guidance and personalized recommendations in case of a poisoning. The Get Help tool is the official tool of America’s Poison Centers and is supported and validated by accredited poison control center experts.

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Contact:

Maggie Maloney

America’s Poison Centers

Sr. Director of External Affairs

maloney@poisoncenters.org

What You Need to Know:

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, currently causing outbreaks in the U.S. Recent reports suggest people are using Vitamin A or Cod Liver Oil to prevent measles infection. The best way to prevent measles is through the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.¹ For patients with measles, particularly hospitalized children, vitamin A supplementation is recommended to help reduce the risk of severe complications. Before administering Vitamin A supplements, or any other herbs or supplements, consult a healthcare provider.

America’s Poison Centers is monitoring the National Poison Data System (NPDS) for cases of Vitamin A toxicity. Between January 1 and March 31, 2025, there have been 86 pediatric Vitamin A exposures reported to U.S. Poison Centers representing a 38.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. However, despite the rise in case numbers, there has been no increase in the severity of poisoning, with no major effects reported in 2025. Not all exposures result in illness or poisoning. Additionally, the Vitamin A exposures tracked in NPDS could also come from cosmetic Vitamin A products, such as retinol.

Risks of Vitamin A Misuse:

While vitamin A is generally safe, taking excessive amounts can lead to poisoning. Symptoms include:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Headache due to intracranial pressure
• Bone pain
• Vision changes
• Liver damage

Key Takeaways:

• The best prevention against measles is vaccination with the MMR vaccine.
• Vitamin A is a key part of the treatment for measles but must be used carefully under medical supervision.
• Overuse of vitamin A can cause serious toxicity.
• Contact Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or PoisonHelp.org if you suspect an overdose or have concerns.

For more information on measles, vaccination, and vitamin A supplementation, visit PoisonHelp.org.

Poisonings Remain a Leading Cause of Preventable Injury and Death, Emphasizing the Need for Promoting Poison Prevention and Safety  

In celebration and observation of National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) from March 16-22, 2025, the U.S. Poison Centers are leading nationwide efforts to educate the public about the risks of poisonings and the importance of poison prevention. Since NPPW’s creation by Congress in 1961, its been observed annually during the third week of March to serve as a vital reminder of the dangers posed by various substances and the steps individuals can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.

According to America's Poison Centers' 2023 Annual Report of the National Poison Data System, U.S. Poison Centers responded to 2.4 million cases, averaging a new case every 15 seconds. This represents increase in human exposures compared to 2022, demonstrating the continued stability and vital role of Poison Centers in public health. Despite significant progress since NPPW was first observed over 60 years ago, poisonings remain a leading cause of preventable injury and death.

NPPW brings together the nation's Poison Centers, community organizations, and government agencies to raise awareness about the dangers of poisonous substances, preventive measures to ensure family safety, and the free resources available through the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and website (PoisonHelp.org) in case of emergencies.

“National Poison Prevention Week is an important moment to share critical and timely information about poison prevention across the United States as both novel substances and longstanding poison trends continue to impact young and old alike,” said Richard Fogelson, CEO of America’s Poison Centers. “By collaborating with communities nationwide, we aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and resources necessary to safeguard their homes and loved ones."

Every year for National Poison Prevention Week students in grades K-12 from across the country are invited to submit a video or poster that showcases poison prevention safety messaging by kids and for kids. In a ceremony held Monday, March 17 during NPPW, America’s Poison Centers awarded the winners of the 2025 NPPW Video and Poster Contest. This year’s winners include:

• Poster People’s Choice Winner: Gwyneth Wagner, Grade 3
• Poster Grade K-2 Winner: Liea Brown, Grade 2, Rose Acres Elementary School
• Poster Grade 3-4 Winner: Charles Stage, Grade 3, Rose Acres Elementary School
• Poster Grand Prize Winner: Matthias Schillinger, Grade 4, Rose Acres Elementary School
• Video People’s Choice Winners: Michael Brigman and Giovanni Pezzella, Grade 8, Mandarin Middle School
• Video Grade 5-8 Winner: Prudence Peng, Grade 8, Music 4 All
• Video Grade 9-12 Place Winner: Kylie Chau, Grade 11
• Video Grand Prize Winners: Texas Maki, Max Smith, and Landon Pungarcher, Grade 12, Pewaukee HOSA

About America’s Poison Centers

America’s Poison Centers represent the network of Poison Centers across the country. We are united in our cause to prevent every poison- and toxin-related health emergency in America. Through our national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) website PoisonHelp.org, our member centers provide all Americans expert advice from nationally accredited medical specialists about potential drug interactions, poison ingestions and exposure to toxins such as insects or chemicals — available 24/7/365, at no cost. Together, America’s Poison Centers ensure a national quality standard for the detection, prevention and treatment of toxin-related health emergencies.

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Contact:

Maggie Maloney

America’s Poison Centers

Sr. Director of External Affairs

maloney@poisoncenters.org

The 41st Annual Report of the National Poison Data System Provides Critical Insights Into Poisoning Trends

America's Poison Centers releases the 2023 Annual Report of the National Poison Data System (NPDS), a critical resource for understanding and addressing the challenges of poisoning in the United States. The report captures exposures from all U.S. Poison Centers and provides valuable data that can inform prevention strategies, improve patient care, and identify emerging public health threats.

Through the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and website (poisonhelp.org), America's Poison Centers serves the entire population of the United States, providing free, expert, and confidential poison help 24/7, 365 days a year. In 2023, U.S. Poison Centers responded to 2,421,251 total cases, on average receiving a new case every 15 seconds. This represents an increase in human exposures compared to 2022, demonstrating the continued stability and vital role of Poison Centers in public health. In 2023, Poison Centers documented over 15,000 more human exposure cases from healthcare facilities than 2022. More serious outcomes (moderate, major, death) cases increased by 1,300, reinforcing the complexity and acuity of cases managed by Poison Centers.

"This year's report underscores the critical role of poison centers as a cornerstone of public health," said Dr. Alvin Bronstein, MD, FACEP, board president of America's Poison Centers. "The report is as a powerful testament to the essential role Poison Centers play in keeping millions of Americans safe from poisonings. The data highlights emerging threats, such as unregulated substances, and the increasing complexity of cases, emphasizing the continued need for robust public education efforts."

2023 Annual Report highlights include:

• Human exposures with more serious outcomes have increased by 4.25% per year since 2000, highlighting the increasing complexity of cases managed by Poison Centers.
• Unregulated (non-cannabinoid) psychoactive substances were identified as an emerging public health threat. The report analyzed a 10-year trend of single-substance exposure cases involving unregulated psychoactive substances that included nitrous oxide, phenibut, tianeptine, and kratom. These substances, often marketed as "nootropics," are readily available and pose significant public health risks due to their lack of regulation. These substances have a high incidence of serious medical outcomes (51.5%-68.2%) and hospitalization (33.1%-56.5%). There were significant rates of withdrawal syndromes associated with phenibut (12.8%) and tianeptine (17.5%), with over 30% of patients experiencing withdrawal syndromes while managed at a healthcare facility requiring hospitalization. Analysis highlights a clear need for regulation and public education associated with the risk of using unregulated substances.
• Poison Centers have continued to see an increase in pediatric exposures to water beads. This corresponds with the growing concern in recent years about the risks associated with water beads from parents, pediatricians, and other public health experts. The report includes a data snapshot that analyzed 10 years of water bead exposures in children. While no deaths were reported to Poison Centers, a significant increase in pediatric exposures (1,820% in the last 5 years) and a rise in healthcare interventions (from 8% in 2019 to 23% in 2023) highlights the growing health burden and risk associated with these seemingly safe toys.

For more information, or to read a full copy of the 2023 National Poison Data System Annual Report, visit: https://www.poisoncenters.org/annual-reports.

For poison-related questions or emergency assistance, contact:

• Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a poison expert, or
• Visit PoisonHelp.org (the official website for America’s Poison Centers) for resources and support.

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Contact:

Maggie Maloney

America’s Poison Centers

Sr. Director of External Affairs

maloney@poisoncenters.org

[October 30, 2024] On September 26, 2024, President Biden signed the Poison Control Centers (PCC) Reauthorization Act of 2024, passing the act into law (Public Law No: 118-86). The act reauthorizes the national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), supports a national media campaign to educate the public and healthcare providers about the Poison Help line and poison prevention and education resources, and continues a critical grant program to support the ability of poison control centers to provide services. The PCC Reauthorization Act of 2024 reauthorizes the poison center network through 2029.

Poisonings are a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The PCC Reauthorization Act of 2024 is vital to preventing poison and toxin-related health emergencies in America and to maintaining the Poison Help line. The Poison Help line is a fast, free, confidential help line available 24/7/365 nationwide, staffed by medical experts. Calling the Poison Help line connects you with your local poison control center.

“For more than 70 years Poison Centers have saved countless American lives and continued to keep communities and families safe from poison-related emergencies. Poison Centers offer a vital lifeline to individuals, families and healthcare providers dealing with accidental poisonings, medication errors, and exposure to harmful substances,” said Richard Fogelson, CEO of America’s Poison Centers. “Poison Centers are the unsung heroes on the front lines of responding to emerging public health threats.”

By reauthorizing funding for U.S. Poison Centers, Poison Centers can continue to save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and promote public health. Thank you to Sen. Murray (D-WA), Sen. Tuberville (R-AL), Sen. Luján (D-NM), Sen. Romney (R-UT), Rep. Lori Chavez DeRemer (OR-05), Rep. John Joyce (PA-13), Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick  (FL-20), and Rep. Don Davis (NC-01) for being champions for U.S. Poison Centers.

“Poison Centers across the country play a critical role in keeping our families and kids safe,” said Senator Tuberville. “I’m particularly proud of Alabama’s Poison Center at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. In addition to providing life-saving treatments, these centers do a great job helping families in crisis, mitigating the burden on emergency rooms, and tracking valuable data about the flow of illicit drugs across the country. I’m glad to see this important bill signed into law.”

“Poison control centers play a vital role in preventing accidental deaths and offer important educational resources to raise awareness about dangerous substances,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “Extending these key programs will help save lives while reducing pressure on emergency rooms nationwide. I’d like to thank America’s Poison Centers for their advocacy and efforts to help get this important legislation signed into law.”

“Congress's reauthorization of funding to bolster the support for poison control centers is preventing poisonings and lowering emergency room visits nationwide," said Congressman Don Davis. "We must be grateful for the committed and hardworking team at America's Poison Centers [U.S. Poison Centers], who save lives during critical and life-threatening emergencies. They are heroes, and we must recognize them as such."

About America’s Poison Centers

America’s Poison Centers represents the network of Poison Centers across the country. We are united in our cause to prevent every poison- and toxin-related health emergency in America. Through our national Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) and website (PoisonHelp.org), we provide all Americans expert advice from nationally accredited centers with specialists who are certified in drug interactions, poison ingestions and exposure to toxins. These services are available 24/7/365, at no cost. Together, America’s Poison Centers ensure a national quality standard for the detection, prevention and treatment of toxin-related health emergencies.

Pink cocaine is an illicitly manufactured mixture of drugs dyed pink with food coloring. Also known as 2C, tusi, or tucibi, it emerged as a popular party drug in Europe and Latin America and is now gaining popularity in the United States. Since January 2024, America’s Poison Centers National Poison Data System® has documented 18 pink cocaine exposures reported by U.S. Poison Centers across four states. Nearly all patients (83%) received medical treatment. Seven were hospitalized, three with life-threatening symptoms. Additionally, one unconfirmed death has been reported associated with pink cocaine use.

What’s in Pink Cocaine?

Despite its name, pink cocaine usually contains little or no cocaine. Initially, it contained the synthetic stimulants 2C or 2-CB. More recently, pink cocaine refers to an evolving mixture of stimulants, hallucinogens, opioids, and other psychoactive substances. Pink cocaine is usually in powder or pill form. Pink cocaine is usually swallowed or inhaled. It is not usually injected.

Testing of pink cocaine powders in the United States reveals most contained:

• Ketamine and ketamine precursors (dissociative anesthetic)
• MDMA (ecstasy) (stimulant/hallucinogen)
• Caffeine (stimulant)

Other tested batches of pink cocaine contain stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine, strong hallucinogens like MDA (Sally) and DMT, the anesthetic lidocaine, and opioids including oxycodone and tramadol. Additionally, some mixtures may contain fentanyl.

What are the Symptoms of Pink Cocaine Overdose?

Since the combination of drugs in each batch are not known, symptoms can vary. Reported symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe agitation
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Additionally, known symptoms of stimulant overdose may occur including:

• Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Seizures
• Dysrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

Poison Centers offer the following precautions to protect against poisoning:

• Do not use pink cocaine alone or in combination with other substances or drugs.
• Call 911 immediately if someone is not responsive, not breathing or is seizing.
• While waiting for first responders, start CPR.
• If available naloxone (Narcan) may be administered if the person is unresponsive or not breathing.
• Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) to reach your local poison center if you suspect someone has taken pink cocaine.