Radiolab Poison Control
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Sep 29, 2023 In this engaging discussion, reporter Brena Farrell, who dives into her experiences as a new mom, shares a harrowing yet relatable story of her frantic call to poison control when her young son had an accident with diaper ointment. She explores the fascinating history of poisons and the evolution of poison control in America, highlighting the importance of this safety net. The conversation also uncovers the hidden dangers in everyday products and the emotional toll of parenting, all while emphasizing the comforting role of poison control as a trusted resource during crises.
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The Diaper Ointment Incident
- Brenna Farrell's son Marty ate diaper ointment, prompting a panicked call to Poison Control.
- The specialist calmly assured her Marty would be fine, sparking Brenna's investigation into the service.
Scale of Poison Control
- Poison control centers handle millions of calls yearly, revealing a constant human interaction with toxins.
- This highlights our vulnerability to accidental poisonings and the need for such a service.
Dancing with Poisons
- Humans have a long history of interacting with poisons, from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs mentioning cyanide poisoning to the modern day.
- This "dance" with poison has evolved alongside our understanding and use of toxic substances.