Common Poison Center Myths
Will I be reported to the authorities?
Isn’t the Poison Center just for kids?
Should I try to throw up if I drink a poison?
These are all common myths and they can be dangerous. Here’s what you actually need to know.
1️⃣ Myth: Calling the Poison Center Means You’ll Get Reported
Fact: All calls to the Poison Center are 100% confidential. You won’t be reported to authorities. The goal is to help you quickly and safely, not to judge or get anyone in trouble.
2️⃣ Myth: The Poison Center Is Only for Children
Fact: While 44% of calls are related to kids, 34% are about adults. Poison exposure can happen to anyone, and the Poison Center is here to help everyone.
3️⃣ Myth: You Can Just Google What to Do
Fact: Yes, you could search online, but calling is faster and safer. On average, it takes just 13 seconds to reach a Poison Center expert and you’ll talk to a registered nurse or pharmacist who is specially trained in poison information.
4️⃣ Myth: If You Swallow Poison, You Should Just Make Yourself Vomit
Fact: Inducing vomiting is not recommended and can be dangerous. Instead, call the Poison Center for specific guidance on what to do next.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been exposed to a potential poison or just have questions, don’t wait.
📞 Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222
▼ Transcript with visual descriptions
Visual: Thumbnail with a woman in glasses thinking, and the title “Myth VS Fact: Common misconceptions about calling poison centers.” The Missouri Poison Center logo is in the bottom right.
Sound: Mysterious music begins.
Visual: Person 1, wearing a black suit jacket, stands in a dark room with blurred police car lights visible outside a window.
Sound: Police sirens.
Person 1: Will I be reported to the authorities?
Visual: Person 1 is now in a brightly lit room, appearing to be a children’s play area. He holds a teddy bear and a small red toy car.
Person 1: Isn’t the Poison Center just for kids?
Visual: Person 1 is now in a dark sidewalk looking at his phone.
Person 1: Can’t I find everything I need to treat a poisoning online?
Visual: Person 1 stands in a dark room, holding a glass filled with white foam that is dripping.
Person 1: If I drink a poison, shouldn’t I just puke it up?
Sound: Mysterious music changes to upbeat, happy music.
Person 2: Believe it or not, these are all myths.
Visual: Person 2, wearing a blue t-shirt with a yellow “#Poison Prevention” text, is in a recording studio, speaking to the camera.
Person 2: When you call your local poison center, you will not be reported to the authorities. All calls are 100% confidential. And, yeah, you could probably find all the information you need online to treat a poisoning, but it’s way faster and way safer to call your poison center. On average, it only takes us 13 seconds to answer, and all poison centers are staffed by registered nurses and pharmacists who are specially trained in poison information. And while 44% of calls are about kids, 34% are for adults.
Visual: White screen with the Missouri Poison Center logo. “Open 24/7!” is written diagonally at the top, and “1-800-222-1222” is at the bottom.
Person 2: If you have questions or have been exposed to a potential poison, call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Visual: Text “There’s always an expert standing by that’s ready to consult on evaluation and management.” appears over number and logo.
Person 2: We’re here to help!
