In the work of LaDonna Bonnin, precision can make the difference between a minor scare and a serious medical emergency.
As associate director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, Bonnin leads a team of pharmacists who guide callers on handling potential exposure to harmful substances—from pharmaceuticals and household chemicals to botanical and recreational products.
“If somebody calls me and says their child got into Lysol, I want to know exactly what type: Lysol disinfectant, an aerosol, a pump spray, bathroom cleaner, or multi-surface cleaner,” Bonnin explained. “Our specialists then use their training to determine whether the patient can safely stay at home or needs medical evaluation.”
The New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, part of the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy and supported by UNM Children’s Hospital and UNM School of Medicine, is one of many poison centers nationwide. Its mission is to provide guidance for a wide range of potential poisonings, including medication overdoses, household chemical exposure, bites and stings, mushrooms and plants, and inhaled fumes.
While traditional household chemicals and medications still account for most calls, new trends are emerging that concern center officials.
Trends in Poison Exposure
Most calls still relate to common medications and household products. In fiscal year 2025, nearly 12% of calls involved analgesics such as opioids, while cleaning substances, antidepressants, and antihistamines each accounted for roughly 5% of inquiries, according to the center’s annual report.
“A lot of cleaning-related calls aren’t just children getting into products,” said Dr. Joseph Lambson, director of the center. “Some involve people mixing chemicals at home and creating dangerous fumes, or exposure while cleaning that affects their eyes or respiratory system.”
However, since 2021, the center has managed more than 1,000 calls related to cannabis exposure, primarily involving children under 12. Alarmingly, 86% of those cases required hospital evaluation.
Jacqueline Kakos, the center’s health education consultant, stressed that legalization of recreational cannabis has made safe storage crucial. “Families need to keep cannabis products out of reach and sight of children,” she said.
The Rise of Weight Loss Drug Exposure
Another concerning trend involves exposure to weight loss medications, specifically semaglutides or GLP-1 drugs. While many use these drugs under medical supervision with single-use syringes, others obtain them from compounding pharmacies or the black market.
“Desperation to lose weight has driven people to unconventional sources,” Kakos said.
Compounded or black market versions of these drugs pose serious risks. The FDA has warned that unapproved GLP-1 drugs can cause adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fainting, dehydration, pancreatitis, and gallstones, with some cases requiring hospitalization.
New Mexico has experienced this trend firsthand. In 2022, the center recorded 17 exposures to weight loss drugs. That number rose to 122 in 2025, with five reports in just the first weeks of 2026. Lambson predicts the trend will continue.
Poison Control’s Role
The New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center is available 24/7 for toxicological emergencies, helping callers avoid unnecessary trips to emergency rooms. In fiscal year 2025, the center received over 19,000 calls, with approximately 80% managed safely at home.
This service is especially vital in rural areas, where hospital visits can involve hours of travel. The center’s report estimates it saved $10.5 million in healthcare costs in 2025 alone.
Kakos emphasized that poison control is not just for children. “We serve all ages. If you have questions about your medication or suspect poisoning, we can help,” she said.
The New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center continues to play a critical role in safeguarding the public, adapting to emerging threats from recreational cannabis and weight loss drugs while providing essential guidance for everyday household exposures.
