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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.
Facts About Childhood Poisoning
Facts About Childhood Poisoning.
- About 60 to 65% of calls to the New Zealand National Poisons Centre relate to children aged under 5 years
- Children aged 1 to 3 years are the most likely age group to be poisoned
- About 20% of families with pre-school children will experience at least one poisoning incident each year
- Most poisonings occur in the child's own home
- Slightly more boys (57%) than girls are poisoned
- Early morning and late afternoon are peak poisoning times
What Are The Reasons For Poisoning In Children?
- Children are curious about taste, texture, smell of different things, this is how they learn
- Children often think poisons or medicines are lollies or food
- Children mimic adults and often think they are "helping" by cleaning, or taking medicines
- Products are not put away straight after use
- Products are not stored or labeled properly
- Children are not supervised properly
- Caregivers don't pre-empt child's changing ability to climb and reach
- Caregivers are not aware of how poisonous some products are
What Are Children Most Commonly Poisoned With?
Of the calls relating to under 5 year olds over the last year, the following top 25 substances are listed below:
1 Paracetamol
2 Multivitamins
3 Silica gel
4 Oral contraceptives
5 Ibuprofen
6 Dishwashing liquid
7 Diclofenac
8 Air freshener
9 Black nightshade
10 Claratyne
11 All purpose cleaner
12 Dimetapp
13 Arum lily
14 Mushrooms
15 Thyroxine
16 Mercury thermometer
17 Essential oils
18 Glow stick
19 Bleach
20 Homeopathic preparations
21 Fly spray
22 Amoxycillin
23 Augmentin
24 Perfume
25 Toothpaste...[More]
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