Poisonings can be caused by a variety of factors. Read about some of the most common poisons below, and learn their symptoms and poison prevention tips.Six Common Types of Poisoning

  • Alcohol: Alcohol poisoning occurs when there is too much alcohol present in the bloodstream. Both adults and children can get alcohol poisoning. Incidents involving children increase during the holiday season, when kids have access to leftover mixed drinks or gifts containing concentrated levels of alcohol, such as perfume or cologne.
    • Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, vomiting, seizure, slow or irregular breathing, and difficulty staying conscious.
  • Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of death by poisoning each year, and occurs when too much carbon monoxide in the air begins to replace the oxygen in our blood. Known as the ‘silent killer,’ carbon monoxide is emitted by fuel-burning devices such as furnaces, fireplaces, and cars.
    • Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath, and nausea or vomiting.
  • Tobacco and Nicotine Products: Nicotine poisoning is caused by too much nicotine in the body. It typically occurs in young children who eat tobacco or nicotine products, but inhaling or spilling a liquid nicotine product such as a liquid e-cigarette cartridge can be dangerous for both children and adults. 
    • Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include headache, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating, and seizures.
  • Food: Food poisoning is a common issue, but occurs more frequently during the summer and holidays. Most cases of food poisoning are the result of improper cooking and food storage, as well as poor hygiene (not washing hands while preparing food).
    • Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, and most instances will resolve without medical treatment.
  • Mushrooms: Mushroom poisoning can be the result of a curious child or pet accidentally eating a wild mushroom, or people gathering wild mushrooms misidentifying a poisonous mushroom. To prevent poisonings, check outdoor areas for mushrooms before letting children or pets play outside.
    • Symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary, so if someone eats an unknown wild mushroom, call the poison control center immediately to discuss treatment.
  • Plants: Plant poisonings are common in children and pets, who may come into contact with or eat unknown plants out of curiosity. You can identify toxic plants in or around your home using our Plant Guide.
    • Symptoms of plant poisoning vary, so if someone eats an unknown plant, call the poison control center immediately to discuss treatment. Because the digestion of plant material takes time, symptoms may not appear right away. Still, do not hesitate- it’s crucial to call and receive treatment advice.

The Iowa Poison Control Center (IPCC) provides free 24-hour treatment advice for poison emergencies through a national toll-free telephone hotline, as well as poison education and other resources.

If you suspect there has been a poisoning, please call our poison control center number at 1-800-222-1222 for poison help.