Poison Control Center
The Poison Control Center (PCC) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is a nonprofit, regional poison control services provider. The center offers a 24/7 hotline staffed by registered nurses and pharmacists with special training in toxicology. Information and treatment advice are offered to the public and healthcare professionals at no charge through the hotline and educational resources produced by the experts at the Poison Control Center.
Substance Use Disorder Resources
Substance use disorders have become a national crisis that continues to devastate Philadelphia and its surrounding counties. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, find a list of available resources that can help.
Common Exposures
The Poison Control Center provides families and educators with helpful information about poisons, potential poisons and hazards in the home and other locations children visit.
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Bee and wasp stings
- Calamine Lotion
- Carbon monoxide
- Cough and cold medicine
- Crayons
- Eye exposures
- Foreign bodies (objects not meant to be swallowed)
- Freon gas
- Glow Sticks
- Household cleaners
- Inhalation exposures
- Insect repellents
- Irritating chemicals (caustics)
- Jellyfish stings
- Matches
- Mushrooms
- Nonpoisonous berries
- Nonpoisonous plants
- Oil and automotive products
- Personal care products
- Plants that irritate
- Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac
- Poison prevention
- Poisonous berries
- Poisonous plants
- Poisonous seeds
- Rodenticide (rat and mouse poisons)
- Saccharin
- Spider bites
- Torch fuels
Resources for Professionals
The PCC at CHOP is a dedicated resource available to both families and healthcare providers throughout our community. There are many ways we can support you in your role as a professional in the healthcare field. View our Resources.
Be Safe: Dispose of Unused Medicine
Keep your family safe by cleaning out your medicines. Has a bottle expired? No longer in use? It’s time to toss. Download our resource for a checklist to stay on track and to learn about safe disposal options.
Our Team
Every specialist who answers calls in the Poison Control Center is specially trained in toxicology, and many are certified by the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Our medical toxicology consultants from other local institutions further expand our ability to provide services to the region.
