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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.
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 in New Zealand
Plant Calls:
From 1998 to 2002, plant poisoning enquiries made up 9.6% of total calls.
Plant calls were the third most frequent exposure enquiry (following therapeutic and household agent exposures)
62% of plant calls were due to child exposures.
Top poisonous plants were determined based on:
Plants that are consistently involved in unintentional poisonings
Plants result in the manifestation of symptoms
The following were assessed and quantified:
- Toxicity of plant
- Number of calls received
- Age of patient
- Symptoms presenting
Top 10 Plants
- Arum Lily
- Black Nightshade
- Euphorbia
- Iris
- Oleander
- Agapanthus
- Ongaonga (New Zealand Tree Nettle)
- Hemlock
- Foxglove
- Rhus
...[More]
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