Concerns about the new coronavirus have unleashed a cleaning frenzy and, along with it, a rise in reports of exposure to household cleaning products.
Illinois Poison Center
Two Illinois men in their 20s and one in his 40s have died since March 28 after experiencing severe bleeding related to the use of synthetic cannabinoids, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
In the first 95 days of 2018, there have been 111 cases of illness related to synthetic cannabinoid use in Illinois, according to the Illinois Poison Center. Episodes of severe bleeding are driving the bulk of that increase.
Health officials on Tuesday are again urging people to avoid synthetic cannabinoids – even if they’ve used them in the past without incident. The drugs “are not a safe alternative to marijuana” and “probably more toxic,” said Illinois Poison Center Medical Director Mike Wahl.
In the first 22 days of 2018, the Illinois Poison Center says it has received 31 calls related to people ingesting Tide Pods, with six of them associated with a dangerous social media trend.
Without Funds Center Set to Close
Come July, Illinois may no longer have a poison control center. Tonight we look at the possibility of the long-standing Illinois Poison Center closing, analyze what that would mean for the state's only poison center.
