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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.
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 in the home and garden. Identifying potential poisoning risks around the home and garden during autumn helps to safeguard all family members and ensures these tasks can be carried out safely.
Mushrooms
Gardening
Rodenticides
Antifreeze
Medicines
Mothballs
Autumn Festivities
Mushrooms
The cooler mornings provide ideal conditions for the proliferation of mushrooms and toadstools in fields and gardens. They can only be identified by an expert - some of the most toxic mushrooms look very similar to edible mushrooms. Even a small ingestion can be very dangerous.
- Never eat mushrooms you have not bought from a supermarket or market garden.
- If you have mushrooms in your garden, do a daily “sweep” and remove them all by hand every morning. It is OK to touch mushrooms, even poisonous ones.
Gardening
Autumn leaves are fun to play in, but fallen plant debris, like leaves and berries, are easy for young children and pets to eat. It is also the time to prune roses and plant bulbs. Many different parts of a plant can be poisonous.
- Now is a good time to learn the names of new and existing plants in your garden, so that the correct information can be given if poisoning should occur
- Rake fallen leaves and berries together and dispose of in your rubbish
- Children should be encouraged to enjoy plants without eating them.
- It is advisable to have plants that are poisonous out of reach of children
Insecticide and fungicide sprays used to ensure plants remain healthy and disease free over winter can also be dangerous if not used with care.
- Always keep sprays out of reach and sight of children and in their original, labelled, containers.
- Wear protective clothing when using garden sprays and do not apply them on windy days. Be careful to ensure children’s toys, sandboxes, bikes or pet food dishes are not sprayed.
Rodenticides
The cooler temperatures cause rodents move indoors, increasing the use of rodenticides by homeowners. Baits can often be picked up by children and pets.
- Consideration should be given to the placement of rodent baits to ensure they are not accessible to children or pets
- Keep the packaging of the product handy so that if a poisoning does occur, the correct advice can be given
Antifreeze
In anticipation of colder driving conditions, coolants such as antifreeze are added to vehicles. Antifreeze poses a serious poisoning risk – even tiny amounts can be dangerous to children, adults and pets.
- Ensure the antifreeze remains in the original container
- Always make sure chemicals are kept well out of the reach of children and pets
- If antifreeze is spilled, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned up; small children and pets can be poisoned by licking residue from the floor
Medicines
Autumn means cold, flu and hayfever medications may become more widely used. As people begin to train for the winter sports season, heat rubs and sports gels are used more frequently. This can increase the risk of accidental overdoses and interactions between medicines.
- It is important when using cold, flu and allergy preparations that the recommended dose is followed and no extra pain relief is taken.
- Many preparations contain the same or similar ingredients (e.g. paracetamol). Make sure you are not doubling up by checking the packet, and always ask your pharmacist first.
- Ensure the medication is not left where young children can get access such as in a handbag or on a bedside table.
Mothballs
As the cooler weather begins, warm clothing may be retrieved, which may have been stored with mothballs. Children can sometimes mistake mothballs for sweets, and serious symptoms can result from even small ingestions.
- There are 3 different kinds of mothballs (camphor, naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene), make sure you know what kind you are using
- Make sure children are well supervised during packing and unpacking
- Wash clothes thoroughly after you retrieve them from storage
Autumn Festivities
Many families celebrate Easter with lots of delicious chocolate, as well as enjoying a warming mug of cocoa in the chillier evenings. However, chocolate products are very poisonous to animals, especially dogs, where they can cause serious heart toxicity.
- Never leave chocolate lying around where pets can get to it
- Different types of chocolate (dark, bittersweet, milk, cocoa) can be more or less toxic, make sure you know what kind you have in the house
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