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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.
Pets Get Poisoned Too
What to do should your precious pet get poisoned, some of the common things pets get into and how to prevent this from happening
First Aid
What Should I Do?
If the animal is awake and alert:
- Do NOT induce vomiting
- If the product is corrosive or irritating, make water available
- Call your local Poisons Center or Vet
If the animal is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, or having a seizure:
- Take the animal to the vet immediately
What Else Should I Do?
When you call a Poisons Center or see a Vet, they will ask you a few questions about the poisoning.
Identify the poison
- Empty containers
- Chewed up material
- Smells
- Residue around the pets mouth
- Fragments in the pets vomit
How much has the pet ingested
- How much was in the container in the beginning?
- How much is missing?
Establish if the pet has any symptoms -Animals can not tell us where it hurts, you will need to look carefully
- Evidence of an upset stomach (vomit, not eating)
- Excessive drooling
- Weakness or excitement
- Breathing rate
- Body temperature
How Can I Prevent My Pet From Being Poisoned?
Pets needs supervision, just like young children. All the poisoning prevention tips for children, apply to pets too. Click here to read them.
What Are Pets Poisoned By?
Dogs
Dogs are the most common pet that is poisoned. They will often eat large amounts of a toxic substance, without noticing an unpleasant taste. Dogs are most often poisoned by:
- Rodenticides
- Cyanide
- Ant poison
- Chocolate
- 1080 (fluoroacetate)
- Plants
Cats
Cats are most often poisoned by getting a substance on their fur or paws from walking or lying on surfaces, and then grooming themselves, thereby ingesting the poison. They can also drink sweet-tasting poisons, or be unintentionally poisoned by their owners. They are most often poisoned by:
- Household cleaners, including corrosive products
- Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)
- Ant poison
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
- Plants
- The Lilium genus (certain types of lily)
Others
Stock, like sheep, cattle, deer and horses are most often poisoned by eating poisonous plants, which are either growing in the same paddock, or mixed in with their feed....[More]
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