>With spring rains and warmer weather come two dangerous poison hazards:
>mushrooms and mothballs.
>Mushrooms growing wild can be extremely toxic.  If parents suspect a
>child has ingested even one bite, they should call a poison center
>immediately.  Because poisonous mushrooms are difficult to identify,
>even mushroom foragers need to practice extreme caution.  Remember,
>"there are old mushroom hunters and bold mushroom hunters, but no old,
>bold mushroom hunters."
>Mothballs used to store wool clothing are toxic when ingested or when
>fumes are inhaled.  Children or pets can become ill by ingesting just
>part of a mothball.  Never spread mothballs on the floor or yard to
>repel snakes and bats.
>For more information, call the University of Virginia Blue Ridge Poison
>Center at (800) 451-1428.
>###
>May 12, 1998
>Contacts:  Sue Kell or Peg German at 982-3196
>Jon Thompson, director of the Blue Ridge Poison Control Center, is
>available for interviews.
>