700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts About Safety & Prevention

Posted by: Amy Leber, PhD on Aug 07, 2026

First published August 2016 Updated August 2026 Nothing says summer like a day at the pool, waterpark, lake, or beach. Swimming is a great way to stay active and cool off, but even the cleanest-looking water can contain germs that make people sick.

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Synthetic marijuana
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What Parents Need to Know About the Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana
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.

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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

Student sitting at desk with a caffeinated beverage

Caffeine Overdose: Why This Stimulant Isn't Safe for Kids

Jul 22, 2026

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. Read More

Baby buckled into car seat.

Newborn Car Seat Safety - What You Need to Know

Jul 10, 2026

Using the correct car seat is one of the best ways to protect your newborn during travel. Learn how to choose, install and use a rear-facing car seat correctly to keep your baby safe from the very first ride home. Read More

baby buckled into a carseat

Car Seat Safety Questions: You Asked, We Answered!

Jul 08, 2026

Parents often have questions about choosing and using car seats correctly. Get expert answers to common car seat questions, including installation, rear-facing recommendations, harness fit, and transitioning to the next seat safely. Read More

Fireworks

Teens and Fireworks Safety: An Important July 4th Discussion

Jul 01, 2026

At this time of year, we get a lot of questions from parents who want to know how to talk to their teens about fireworks. Here are some tips for how to get that conversation started. Read More

3 kids smiling and laughing with bookbags on

Backpack Safety: Supporting Healthy Growth and Learning

Jun 30, 2026

A heavy or poorly fitted backpack can lead to aches and pains for growing kids. Learn simple backpack safety tips—from proper fit and weight limits to smart packing habits—that can help keep your child comfortable and ready to learn all school year long. Read More

Young girl smiling with pierced ears.

Pierced Ears: How to Prevent Painful Infections

Jun 17, 2026

Thousands of kids get their ears pierced each year. Generally, ear piercing is a safe procedure, but a common complication is infection. Here’s what you need to know to help keep your little one’s ear piercings healthy and infection-free. Read More

young child laying head on shoulder

Is it Flu or Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Jun 12, 2026

Headache, vomiting, dizziness – sounds like the flu, right? It could be but these are also symptoms of something much more serious: carbon monoxide poisoning. Read More

A group of teens posing with their arms around each other smiling at the camera.

Caffeine Pouches: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know

Jun 10, 2026

Caffeine products are evolving rapidly, and one of the newest trends parents should know about is caffeine pouches. As these products become more widely available, it's important for families to understand what they are, the risks they pose, and how to keep children safe. Read More