700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Marcel J. Casavant, MD

Posted by: Marcel J. Casavant, MD on Jul 29, 2026

Back in 2018, this 700 Children’s Blog taught about a brand-new hazard: somehow a group of drugs known as the synthetic cannabinoids was getting contaminated with blood thinners, and especially with a rat poison called brodifacoum. Here’s one with a bit of good news: one dangerous outbreak involving contamination of an abused drug has mostly faded away!

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The Dangers of Mercury and How to Get Rid of it Safely
Mercury may seem harmless, but even small spills can become dangerous if not cleaned up properly. Learn the health risks of mercury exposure, what to do if a spill happens, and when to call the Poison Help line for expert guidance.
Student sitting at desk with a caffeinated beverage
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Caffeine Overdose: Why This Stimulant Isn't Safe for Kids
First published May 2017 Updated July 2026 Learning the news that a teenager died from a caffeine overdose is both horrible and terrifying, but it’s just the tip of a very large iceberg.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

tablet of medications on a table with a little hand reaching for it

Medication Poisonings in Young Children

Aug 05, 2025

Preschoolers love to explore, but that curiosity can lead to danger when it comes to medications and household products. Learn why kids under 6 are most at risk for poisoning and get practical tips to keep your home safe and your child protected. Read More

Medical Marijuana

What Parents Need to Know About Medical Marijuana

Jul 03, 2025

Medical marijuana is marijuana used to treat a medical condition as recommended by a physician. Marijuana is the common name for the plant cannabis sativa, and its two primary components are cannibidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Read More

Emergency drill sign in front of a door

Why Do We Have Emergency Drills?

Jun 09, 2025

Regular emergency preparedness drills aren’t just games—they're vital to ensuring we are ready to respond quickly and efficiently when disaster strikes. Here’s what parents should know about these important simulations and how they protect your children and loved ones. Read More

Little girl drinking water from a glass.

Lead Poisoning: Still a Public Health Risk

Nov 15, 2023

For more than 100 years, society has known that lead is very damaging to young children. It is frustrating that we still expose our most vulnerable to this poison, especially because it is completely preventable. Read More