The Upstate New York Poison Center handled more than 44,000 cases of poisonings to its toll-free poison center helpline in 2024 with more than two out of three cases related to unintentional poisonings. More than one-third of those calls were related to incidents involving children under the age of six.

While medication-related incidents are a leading cause of calls to the poison center, they are far from the only concern. Household cleaning products, personal care items, batteries, and even everyday items like coins can pose serious risks, especially to young children.

"Every year, we see thousands of cases involving young children unintentionally swallowing household products, medications, and other common items,” said Jeanna Marraffa, PharmD, MPH, clinical director of the Upstate New York Poison Center. “These incidents continue to happen because many of these substances are easily accessible in homes. Our goal is to educate families on safe storage of medicines and household items to prevent poisonings. In the event of a poisoning, our experts are here 24/7/365 to assist you.”

Also, more than 500 calls were handled by the Upstate New York Poison Center for exposure to cannabis; more than half involved children under six-years-old.

Many cannabis-edible products can contain toxic levels of THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. If THC is consumed by children, symptoms may include vomiting, dizziness, difficulty walking, high or low heart rates, drowsiness, confusion, breathing difficulties, or seizures. Cases may be severe and could require hospitalization.

"Cannabis edibles often look like every day snacks, making them especially dangerous to young children, said Vince Calleo, MD, medical director of the Upstate New York Poison Center. “With more than half of our cannabis-related calls involving children under 6, it's clear that more awareness and prevention efforts are needed. Storing these products securely and out of reach of children will help in preventing unintentional exposures."

The steady level of intentional poisonings continues to alarm poison center officials.  Calls related to suspected suicide or self-harm, remain at around 13% of the total case volume.

"It is deeply concerning that intentional poisonings continue to hold steady," said Operations Director Michele Caliva, MSN, MA, RN, CSPI. "If you suspect self-harm by poisoning, including but not limited to overdosing on medication, call us at 1-800-222-1222. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, thoughts of suicide, or self-harm, call or text 988 for immediate mental health support.”

The poison center does more than answer calls from the public and health care professionals. In 2024, it distributed more than 17,000 cannabis safety materials that highlight the danger of mistaking cannabis edibles for candy or snacks.

Calls to the Upstate New York Poison Center have remained steady since 2020, with most calls coming from upstate New York’s most populous counties: Onondaga, Erie, and Monroe counties.

The Upstate New York Poison Center is one of the most significant resources offered by Upstate. Its reach is nearly statewide, answering poison calls from 54 of New York’s 62 counties. The only other poison center in New York is the New York City Poison Control Center.

In addition to the public, poison centers also handle calls from health care professionals seeking expert opinions on suspected poisonings.

To contact the poison center, call 1-800-222-1222. This helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and is fast, free, and confidential.