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Common Poisons Around the Garden

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Top 10 Poisonous Plants of New Zealand

What are New Zealand's top poisonous plants?Some of the most toxic, and most common poisonous plants...

General Advice for Plant Exposures

There are many plants in the garden, some poisonous some not.   A few simple hints will help us enjo...

Spiders in New Zealand

New Zealand has numerous species of spiders, however only two species are known to be venomous.

Th...

Four Seasons 3 - Poisoning Hazards For Spring

After a long cold winter, many people begin their spring cleaning. Spring is also the time when new ...

Swan Plants - Educational Or Harmful?

The swan plant is home to the Monarch caterpillar, and children are enthralled to see the butterfly ...

Poisonous Mushrooms In New Zealand

There are many different species of poisonous mushrooms in New Zealand and many poisonous mushrooms ...

Four Seasons 1 - Poisoning Hazards For Autumn

As summer fades into autumn, the change in the weather can signal a change in potential hazards both...

Common Poisons Around the Home

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Preventing Poisoning In The Home

A few basic fact and hints regarding preventing poisoning with medicines and chemicals around the ho...

The Things Children Swallow – Problems with Foreign Objects

Some objects are just not meant to be swallowed. What types of objects do children swallow? What mak...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – Kitchen & Household Products

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your kitchen and household products are ...

Four Seasons 3 - Poisoning Hazards For Spring

After a long cold winter, many people begin their spring cleaning. Spring is also the time when new ...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – Bathroom & Medicines

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your bathroom and medicines are "poison-...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – Laundry & Bleaches/Cleaners

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your laundry & bleaches/cleaners are "po...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – The Garden Shed & Chemicals

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your garage/garden shed & chemicals are ...

Mercury Spills

Follow this advice to avoid toxicity resulting from incorrect clean up of small mercury spills from ...

Household Cleaners - A Poison Common in Every Home

There are many household cleaners in every home, some poisonous some not. A few simple hints will he...

Dishwasher Tablets, Powders, and Pods – Commonly Found in the Home and Sometimes in a Toddler’s Mouth

Dishwasher tablets, powders, and pods are commonplace throughout most New Zealand homes. The Nationa...

Common Poisons Around The Home

There are many poisons around the home. Below are some of the most common poisons encountered every ...

Dangers of Vaping Devices Around the Home

 

Vaping has increased in popularity in New Zealand and the rest of the world over the last 5 to 10...

Paracetamol – A Useful Medicine and Common Poison

Paracetamol is one of the most common substances involved in childhood poisoning. It is found in mos...

Clean Up of Energy Saving Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

What is the risk from mercury contained in these new compact fluorescent light bulbs (energy saving ...

Four Seasons 4 - Poisoning Hazards for Summer

Summertime means warm weather, school holidays, parties and events. These changes in your household ...

Four Seasons 2 - Poisoning Hazards For Winter

Winter means shorter days and evenings spent indoors. While it is pleasant to be in a cosy environme...

Four Seasons 1 - Poisoning Hazards For Autumn

As summer fades into autumn, the change in the weather can signal a change in potential hazards both...

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

When wood, petrol, or natural gas are burned completely water and carbon dioxide are created. Howeve...

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitisers

Alcohol (ethanol) and alcohol sanitisers have been used in hospitals and medical centres as alcohol ...

What is really in our MDMA / Party Pills?

MDMA (3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine) also commonly known as ecstasy, molly, or pingas (among m...

First Aid

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Vomiting - First Aid for Poisoning? An Incorrect Assumption

There are many old or out of date first aid methods that can actually make the situation worse, and ...

How to Flush An Eye

If a poison gets in the eye, begin flushing immediately using the method described.
A poison centr...

Solvent Abuse Information for Parents and Caregivers

Solvent abuse 

What is solvent abuse?

Solvent abuse is the intentional inhalation of volatile subs...

What should I do if my child has swallowed poison?

Do not panic! Remain calm and call a poison centre as soon as possible
In most cases, children will...

Submitting SDS's to the National Poisons Centre

Safety Datasheet (SDS) Submission to

The National Poisons Centre (NPC)

New Zealand SDS legislation...

Poisoning Issues Specific to Other Family Members

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Poison Prevention for the Older Generation

Focused poison prevention tips for those who might have special medication needs or might not be so ...

BZP & Other Piperazine-Based Party Drugs

What Are They?

They are hallucinogenic stimulants and include BZP, TFMPP, MeOPP, mCPP, MBZP and PF...

Pets Get Poisoned Too

What to do should your precious pet get poisoned, some of the common things pets get into and how to...

Four Seasons 2 - Poisoning Hazards For Winter

Winter means shorter days and evenings spent indoors. While it is pleasant to be in a cosy environme...

Poisoning Issues Specific to Teenagers

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Solvent Abuse Information for Parents and Caregivers

Solvent abuse 

What is solvent abuse?

Solvent abuse is the intentional inhalation of volatile subs...

BZP & Other Piperazine-Based Party Drugs

What Are They?

They are hallucinogenic stimulants and include BZP, TFMPP, MeOPP, mCPP, MBZP and PF...

Dangers of Vaping Devices Around the Home

 

Vaping has increased in popularity in New Zealand and the rest of the world over the last 5 to 10...

Four Seasons 2 - Poisoning Hazards For Winter

Winter means shorter days and evenings spent indoors. While it is pleasant to be in a cosy environme...

Synthetic Cannabinoids

What are they?

Synthetic cannabinoids (or artificial marijuana) contain analogs that act in a simi...

What is really in our MDMA / Party Pills?

MDMA (3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine) also commonly known as ecstasy, molly, or pingas (among m...

Poisoning Issues Specific to Young Children

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Potentially Dangerous Alternative Headlice Treatments

The NZ Poison Centre frequently receives calls regarding the use of solvents, chemicals, fly-sprays ...

The Things Children Swallow – Problems with Foreign Objects

Some objects are just not meant to be swallowed. What types of objects do children swallow? What mak...

Facts About Childhood Poisoning

Facts About Childhood Poisoning.

About 60 to 65% of calls to the New Zealand National Poisons Centr...

Four Seasons 3 - Poisoning Hazards For Spring

After a long cold winter, many people begin their spring cleaning. Spring is also the time when new ...

Swan Plants - Educational Or Harmful?

The swan plant is home to the Monarch caterpillar, and children are enthralled to see the butterfly ...

Common Poisons Around The Home

There are many poisons around the home. Below are some of the most common poisons encountered every ...

Dangers of Vaping Devices Around the Home

 

Vaping has increased in popularity in New Zealand and the rest of the world over the last 5 to 10...

Poisoning Issues in Child Care Facilities

Poison prevention is not just an issue that needs to be considered at home, but anywhere where young...

Four Seasons 4 - Poisoning Hazards for Summer

Summertime means warm weather, school holidays, parties and events. These changes in your household ...

Four Seasons 2 - Poisoning Hazards For Winter

Winter means shorter days and evenings spent indoors. While it is pleasant to be in a cosy environme...

Four Seasons 1 - Poisoning Hazards For Autumn

As summer fades into autumn, the change in the weather can signal a change in potential hazards both...

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitisers

Alcohol (ethanol) and alcohol sanitisers have been used in hospitals and medical centres as alcohol ...

Melamine in Food

What is Melamine?

Melamine is a chemical used for making amino resins, plastics, adhesives, and pe...

Preventing Poisoning

Load All

Preventing Poisoning In The Home

A few basic fact and hints regarding preventing poisoning with medicines and chemicals around the ho...

Poison Prevention for the Older Generation

Focused poison prevention tips for those who might have special medication needs or might not be so ...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – Kitchen & Household Products

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your kitchen and household products are ...

Four Seasons 3 - Poisoning Hazards For Spring

After a long cold winter, many people begin their spring cleaning. Spring is also the time when new ...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – Bathroom & Medicines

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your bathroom and medicines are "poison-...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – Laundry & Bleaches/Cleaners

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your laundry & bleaches/cleaners are "po...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – The Garden Shed & Chemicals

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your garage/garden shed & chemicals are ...

Child Resistant Closures

Child-resistant packaging helps to reduce the chances of a child accessing a drug or chemical.  

Ch...

Four Seasons 4 - Poisoning Hazards for Summer

Summertime means warm weather, school holidays, parties and events. These changes in your household ...

Four Seasons 1 - Poisoning Hazards For Autumn

As summer fades into autumn, the change in the weather can signal a change in potential hazards both...

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

When wood, petrol, or natural gas are burned completely water and carbon dioxide are created. Howeve...

Seasonal Poisonings

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Christmas Holiday Safety & Poisoning Prevention Tips

Christmas is here and with all the fun associated with this time of year, there are also some hazard...

Four Seasons 3 - Poisoning Hazards For Spring

After a long cold winter, many people begin their spring cleaning. Spring is also the time when new ...

Poisonous Mushrooms In New Zealand

There are many different species of poisonous mushrooms in New Zealand and many poisonous mushrooms ...

Four Seasons 4 - Poisoning Hazards for Summer

Summertime means warm weather, school holidays, parties and events. These changes in your household ...

Four Seasons 2 - Poisoning Hazards For Winter

Winter means shorter days and evenings spent indoors. While it is pleasant to be in a cosy environme...

Four Seasons 1 - Poisoning Hazards For Autumn

As summer fades into autumn, the change in the weather can signal a change in potential hazards both...

All articles

Load All

Preventing Poisoning In The Home

A few basic fact and hints regarding preventing poisoning with medicines and chemicals around the ho...

Top 10 Poisonous Plants of New Zealand

What are New Zealand's top poisonous plants?Some of the most toxic, and most common poisonous plants...

Vomiting - First Aid for Poisoning? An Incorrect Assumption

There are many old or out of date first aid methods that can actually make the situation worse, and ...

Potentially Dangerous Alternative Headlice Treatments

The NZ Poison Centre frequently receives calls regarding the use of solvents, chemicals, fly-sprays ...

The Things Children Swallow – Problems with Foreign Objects

Some objects are just not meant to be swallowed. What types of objects do children swallow? What mak...

Poison Prevention for the Older Generation

Focused poison prevention tips for those who might have special medication needs or might not be so ...

How to Flush An Eye

If a poison gets in the eye, begin flushing immediately using the method described.
A poison centr...

General Advice for Plant Exposures

There are many plants in the garden, some poisonous some not.   A few simple hints will help us enjo...

Solvent Abuse Information for Parents and Caregivers

Solvent abuse 

What is solvent abuse?

Solvent abuse is the intentional inhalation of volatile subs...

Facts About Childhood Poisoning

Facts About Childhood Poisoning.

About 60 to 65% of calls to the New Zealand National Poisons Centr...

Spiders in New Zealand

New Zealand has numerous species of spiders, however only two species are known to be venomous.

Th...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – Kitchen & Household Products

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your kitchen and household products are ...

Four Seasons 3 - Poisoning Hazards For Spring

After a long cold winter, many people begin their spring cleaning. Spring is also the time when new ...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – Bathroom & Medicines

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your bathroom and medicines are "poison-...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – Laundry & Bleaches/Cleaners

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your laundry & bleaches/cleaners are "po...

My House is Poison-Proofed! – The Garden Shed & Chemicals

Print off & complete this checklist in order to ensure that your garage/garden shed & chemicals are ...

What should I do if my child has swallowed poison?

Do not panic! Remain calm and call a poison centre as soon as possible
In most cases, children will...

Mercury Spills

Follow this advice to avoid toxicity resulting from incorrect clean up of small mercury spills from ...

Pets Get Poisoned Too

What to do should your precious pet get poisoned, some of the common things pets get into and how to...

Household Cleaners - A Poison Common in Every Home

There are many household cleaners in every home, some poisonous some not. A few simple hints will he...

Dishwasher Tablets, Powders, and Pods – Commonly Found in the Home and Sometimes in a Toddler’s Mouth

Dishwasher tablets, powders, and pods are commonplace throughout most New Zealand homes. The Nationa...

Child Resistant Closures

Child-resistant packaging helps to reduce the chances of a child accessing a drug or chemical.  

Ch...

Swan Plants - Educational Or Harmful?

The swan plant is home to the Monarch caterpillar, and children are enthralled to see the butterfly ...

Common Poisons Around The Home

There are many poisons around the home. Below are some of the most common poisons encountered every ...

Poisonous Mushrooms In New Zealand

There are many different species of poisonous mushrooms in New Zealand and many poisonous mushrooms ...

Dangers of Vaping Devices Around the Home

 

Vaping has increased in popularity in New Zealand and the rest of the world over the last 5 to 10...

Poisoning Issues in Child Care Facilities

Poison prevention is not just an issue that needs to be considered at home, but anywhere where young...

Paracetamol – A Useful Medicine and Common Poison

Paracetamol is one of the most common substances involved in childhood poisoning. It is found in mos...

Clean Up of Energy Saving Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

What is the risk from mercury contained in these new compact fluorescent light bulbs (energy saving ...

Four Seasons 4 - Poisoning Hazards for Summer

Summertime means warm weather, school holidays, parties and events. These changes in your household ...

Four Seasons 2 - Poisoning Hazards For Winter

Winter means shorter days and evenings spent indoors. While it is pleasant to be in a cosy environme...

Four Seasons 1 - Poisoning Hazards For Autumn

As summer fades into autumn, the change in the weather can signal a change in potential hazards both...

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

When wood, petrol, or natural gas are burned completely water and carbon dioxide are created. Howeve...

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitisers

Alcohol (ethanol) and alcohol sanitisers have been used in hospitals and medical centres as alcohol ...

Synthetic Cannabinoids

What are they?

Synthetic cannabinoids (or artificial marijuana) contain analogs that act in a simi...

What is really in our MDMA / Party Pills?

MDMA (3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine) also commonly known as ecstasy, molly, or pingas (among m...

Disposal of unwanted chemicals and medications

Households use many different chemicals and medications every day. Sometimes it can be difficult to ...

Safety tips for DIY painting at home 

Many Kiwis enjoy DIY, and painting is one of the easier tasks to update the look of your home or mai...

Jellyfish Stings

During summer, calls to the National Poisons Centre involving jellyfish increase, from people standi...

Needle Stick injuries from Animal Vaccines

Animal InjectionsNeedle stick injuries are a serious occupational hazard for veterinarians, farm wor...