Latest News
24/01/2012 Dishwash powder big danger to kids
In Auckland Museum's exhibition The Poisoners, experts look at toxic surprises that may lurk in the bush or the bathroom. Today, the focus is on poisons around the home.
Parents hankering to return to the safety of home after the holidays may be surprised to learn about the thousands of children exposed to poisons in the home every year.
Latest statistics show that of the 5700 poison exposures recorded by the National Poisons Centre, over half - 2990 cases - resulted from the children exploring their own environment. And more than 1000 of those involved substances around the household and a further 1187 involved unintentional poisoning from therapeutic or prescription drugs.
To read more go to http:www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10780160
For information about preventing poisoning in your home go to http:www.poisons.co.nz/fact.php?f=11&c=26 [More...]
19/01/2012 Boy swallows coin on way to dairy
A young boy became seriously ill after swallowing a $2 coin while on his way to spend it on an icecream.
And with the coin now safely removed from his throat the "chirpy" 10-year-old still wants to invest it in a cold treat.
The boy was walking to a dairy in Tauranga with his two siblings to buy an icecream about 4pm on Sunday.
He can't remember why, but he put the dirty $2 coin his parents had given him into his mouth.
It then became lodged in his throat, causing him to gag and throw up for close to eight hours.
To read more go to: http:www.stuff.co.nz/national/6266739/Boy-swallows-coin-on-way-to-dairy
For more information on swallowing foreign objects go to: http:www.poisons.co.nz/fact.php?f=28&c=20 [More...]
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...]
View past news items
Online Questionnaire
TOXINZ
TOXINZ (www.toxinz.com) is the National Poisons Centre's Internet database containing information regarding toxic compounds and the management of poisoned patients. For information on subscribing to TOXINZ, contact toxinz@otago.ac.nz
|
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.
Melamine in Food
What is Melamine?
Melamine is a chemical used for making amino resins, plastics, adhesives, and pesticides.
Where is Melamine Found?
Melamine can be found in small amounts in food or drinks which have been stored in a plastic container.
Animals may eat feed or grass which has been sprayed with melamine-based pesticides and consume small amounts, which can then be found in their meat or by-products (such as pork, beef, sheep, and poultry, as well as eggs and fish).
How Toxic is Melamine?
In the levels normally found in foods, melamine is not toxic and is not linked to the severe kidney toxicity seen with the recent powdered milk contamination in China.
Even at these very high levels, melamine must also be ingested over a long period of time to cause this kidney toxicity. For example, a child given a one-off bottle containing contaminated milk formula, would not be at risk of toxicity.
Is There a Safe Level of Melamine?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a “Tolerable Daily Intake” (TDI) of melamine at 0.2 mg per kg body weight per day, which is approximately 29 times the average daily intake of 0.007 mg melamine per kg of body weight.
The WHO has also set an “Acceptable Level in Food” at 1 part per million (ppm; 1 mg/kg) for infant formula, and 2.5 ppm (2.5 mg/kg) for other foods.
Based on these values, this means a 6 kg infant would need to ingest 1.2 kg of infant formula (containing the maximum allowable level of melamine) every day to reach the TDI, and an adult much more than this.
You can read the WHO report here.
What Are the Symptoms of Melamine Poisoning?
Long-term, high-level, melamine ingestion can cause small stones to be formed in the kidneys. Symptoms reported in infants include unexplained crying (especially while urinating), vomiting, blood in the urine, urinating frequently or not at all, stones discharged in the urine, swelling, back pain or tenderness in kidney area, and urinary tract infection. In severe cases these stones can cause kidney failure and in some cases have been fatal.
What Do I Do if I Think a Food Product is Contaminated With Melamine?
You should contact your local food safety or public health authority. In New Zealand, you should contact the New Zealand Food Safety Authority on 0800 693 721.
What Should I Do if I Think Someone Has Been Poisoned By Melamine?
You should contact your local poisons information centre or doctor. In New Zealand you can call the National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766 (0800 POISON) 24 hours, 365 days a year. Depending on the source of poisoning, an appropriate local authority should also be contacted (food safety, public health, or police)....[More]
Show All Articles
|
|
Tell us what you think!
Take our online questionnaire now.
