tox

Environmental toxins pose a disproportionate risk to children because of their developing organ systems, higher metabolic rates, and normal hand-to-mouth behaviors. Exposures—most often from the home, water, food, or air—can cause subtle, delayed, or multisystem symptoms that mimic common pediatric illnesses. A high index of suspicion and a focused environmental history are essential to identifying and preventing ongoing harm.

Tox Cards returns with the osmol gap.

Dr. Walid Malki covers salicylate toxicity in this Visual Wednesday.

“As a medical toxicologist, I have a different take on the world of overdoses. Paracelsus has said ‘All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing poison.’ Paracelsus’ adage is something that all medical toxicologists live by; however, we understand there is much more depth to the art of toxicology than the dose makes the poison.”