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09/09/2009 Lethal Dose of Propofol Killed Jackson
The Los Angeles coroner has found that popstar Michael Jackson died of an overdose of propofol.
Propofol is a general anaesthetic and is not generally used outside of an operating theatre. When used as directed and under the supervision of a qualified anaesthesiologist, propofol is usually safe. [More...]
09/09/2009 Stockpile of Chemicals Potentially Dangerous
A Dunedin woman was fined $25,000 after admitting to improper storage of 778 litres of acetone, isopropyl alcohol and EMA in the basement of her home.
These chemicals are flammable and because of the quantity, posed an explosive risk.
It is illegal to store chemicals in New Zealand unless you are an approved handler and have an approved hazardous substance location. [More...]
09/09/2009 Malawi Child Labourers Poisoned by Tobacco Crops
Thousands of Malawi children who work picking tobacco suffer from "Green Tobacco Sickness".
Children can absorb the toxin, nicotine, through their skin and can also inhale it from the dust around them.
Nicotine poisoning in children can cause vomiting, weakness, breathlessness, low blood pressure, and in severe cases paralysis.
If you think your child has chewed on or swallowed tobacco, cigarettes, nicotine gum or patches, call your poisons centre immediately. [More...]
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TOXINZ
TOXINZ is the National Poisons Centre's Internet database containing information regarding toxic compounds and the management of poisoned patients. For free first aid information for poisons go to toxinz.com.
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Welcome to the New Zealand National Poisons Centre
The National Poisons Centre is a 24/7 Poisons Information Service available to all New Zealanders.
Provided by the Ministry of Health and ACC, the NPC maintains an accurate and up-to-date database of almost all poisonous substances in NZ and Australia, and provides professional and timely advice during poisoning incidents.
Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers
Alcohol (ethanol) and alcohol sanitizers have been used in hospitals and medical centres as alcohol is effective in sterilizing both skin and medical instruments. Recently alcohol-based hand sanitizers have become popular in the house.
Why Have They Become Popular?
What Do The Sanitizers Do?
What Sanitizers Are Available?
Can Using These Harm My Skin?
Can My Child Be Poisoned?
Why Have They Become Popular?
These gels provide “water free” sanitization and are particularly useful in situations where clean water and soap is not readily available. The time taken to properly wash and dry hands can be too long for a child who is wanting to go and play again, so being able to rub hands dry while returning to play can be attractive.
What Do The Sanitizers Do?
Alcohol sanitizers can kill many bacteria (though not all), viruses, and fungi from the skin. They do not provide appropriate levels of protection after working in food preparation. They are not useful if there has been contamination with dirt or chemicals.
What Sanitizers Are Available?
Most of the household products in Aotearoa/New Zealand have between 60 and 70% ethanol (alcohol). Some sanitizers can contain other ingredients that can also kill bacteria, making them more effective that those with alcohol alone.
Can Using These Harm My Skin?
Using alcohol hand sanitizers can dry the skin so many manufacturers add ingredients to help keep the skin moist. However, simply using soap and water can also be drying on the skin. If a person using a sanitizer develops any skin problems they should stop using that product.
Can My Child Be Poisoned?
Ingestion of the gel can lead to poisoning if sufficient was eaten. However, these gels usually do not taste particularly pleasant and so normally only a small amount is eaten.
If a child drinks any hand sanitizer the child should be given something to eat and your local poisons centre should be contacted for further information. The specialist will be able to tell you whether any medical care is required and what symptoms to be aware of.
Alcohol evaporates fairly quickly from the skin. It is important to continue to rub hands until dry to ensure that all of the alcohol has evaporated. If alcohol remains on the hand then there is a risk of eye irritation if the eye was rubbed....[More]
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