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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.
Swan Plants - Educational Or Harmful?
The swan plant is home to the Monarch caterpillar, and children are enthralled to see the butterfly emerge right in front of their eyes. How toxic is it and is it ok to have swan plants in the home?
Why Are Swan Plants Special?
The swan plant is a food source for the caterpillar of the Monarch butterfly and other butterflies of the Danaus species. The lifecycle of the monarch butterfly is the main reason the swan plant is present in preschool centres as children can trace the changes from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. In older children the Monarch butterfly and caterpillar are often used as an introduction to scientific experiments.
Additionally children will often pick the pod (swan) and let them float on ponds or streams
Are Swan Plants Toxic?
Swan plants (Asclepias spp.) are toxic, and swallowing even a small amount could be a problem. Ingestion of the plant material can affect the heart, breathing, central nervous system and the stomach. Young children generally do not regard the plant material as attractive to eat, although they may find the pods (swans) fascinating.
Often the chrysalis of the monarch may be ingested as they look similar to lollies. There is no poisoning concern with children eating the chrysalis.
Is It Ok To Have Swan Plants In Child Care Centres Or In Homes With Young Children?
Because of the educational benefits of teaching children about the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly, swan plants are not on the Landcare Research list of plants that should not be grown or tolerated in New Zealand preschool centres.
Therefore, although it is a toxic plant, Swan plants can be grown in child care centres or homes with small children, providing supervisors are aware of the toxic nature of the plant, and take all necessary precautions to prevent poisoning from occuring.
What can I do to minimize a child ingesting swan plant
- Supervise children at all times when they are around the swan plant
- Encourage children to enjoy the swan plant and butterflies without eating them
- Grow swan plants in a container that can be removed to an area inaccessible to children when not being used.
- Alternatively fence the swan plant off, so it is unreachable to children without adult help
- Another option is to place the swan plant in an open-topped bird cage so that the butterflies can get in and out, but children's hands can not get in.
Specific First Aid Advice for Swan Plant Exposures- What Should I Do?
If Swallowed
Immediately seek medical advice from your Poisons Centre or your Doctor. It is not necessary to give any fluids. Do not make the person vomit.
If on Skin
Immediately flush the exposed area with lots of water and seek medical advice from your Poisons Centre or your Doctor
If in Eyes
Flush the eye with room-temperature water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice from your Poisons Centre or your Doctor
Click here to find out how best to flush an eye
The eye will then need to be examined at your Medical Centre or Hospital.
Click here for further first aid advice
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