 |
 |
 |
Anyone who suspects they or someone else may have been poisoned or has a question about a poison should call the NC Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or chat online at ncpoisoncenter.org to talk with one of their nurses or pharmacists.
Be prepared to give the nurse or pharmacist the following information:
A poison is any substance that is harmful to your body when ingested (eaten), inhaled (breathed), injected, or absorbed through the skin. Any substance can be poisonous if enough is taken. Poisonings are often categorized into non-drug and drug poisonings.
Poisonings, both non-drug and drug, are also classified by intent. A poisoning can be unintentional, self-inflicted, assault, or have an undetermined intent. This page focuses on unintentional poisonings. For more information on self-inflicted poisonings, visit our Suicide Prevention Page.
Unintentional poisoning events that occur when an individual knowingly uses a substance are generally referred to as unintentional overdoses. These individuals intentionally took a substance, but their overdose was unintentional. The NCDHHS Overdose Epidemic site offers many resources. Unintentional poisoning events can also occur when individuals do not knowingly use a substance, these are often, though not always, child poisonings. This page focuses on these preventable poisoning events.
Household chemicals
Carbon monoxide
Prescription Medicines
Updated: November 13, 2024