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Poisons


Over 90% of accidental poisonings occur in the home and most occur to children under five years of age.
A poison is any substance which if inhaled, ingested, absorbed or injected, harms the structure of the body or negatively affects its function.

Common household poisons include (but are not limited to):

 TYPE OF POISON
 EXAMPLES
 solvents  paint thinner, nail polish remover
 cleaning products    
 dishwashing powder, bleach, ammonia, soap, caustic soda
 medicines  paracetamol, contraceptive pills, blood pressure tablets,
 cough syrup, ibuprofen, vitamins, antibiotics
 alcohol  spirits, beer etc
 garden products  weed killer, pesticide, snail bait, rat bait, fertiliser
 personal products  shampoo, conditioner, perfume, aftershave
 shed products  petrol, kerosene, methylated spirits
 exhaust fumes  carbon monoxide
 plants  oleander, foxglove, bird of paradise
 smoke  burning rubbish, fires
 bites, stings  snakes, spiders, animals
 pool chemicals  acid, chlorine, salt
 fruit and vegetables
 stone fruit kernels, apple seeds, avocado leaves


Signs and symptoms of poisoning

This list is not exhaustive. There are many and varied poisonous substances with as many associated signs and symptoms, and the casualty may present with all or some of the following:
  • pale, cool, clammy skin
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • rapid, weak pulse
  • cyanosis (turning blue)
  • headache
  • burns and/or staining around the mouth
  • pain, burning, in mouth and throat
  • blurred/double vision
  • abdominal pains or cramps
  • drowsiness
  • lethargy
  • altered consciousness leading to unconsciousness
  • seizures
  • breathing difficulties
  • tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • smell of fumes

Poisons information centre

The Poisons Information Centre is a national emergency telephone service (13 11 26) available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide information on:
  • acute poisoning
  • venomous bites and stings
  • drug interactions

Some signs and symptoms of poisoning may be apparent immediately after exposure to a substance, while others may develop over time. Never wait for signs and symptoms to present before calling Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.  

Whenever there is any doubt, always call the Poisons Information Centre and check the safety/toxicity of a product. Do not assume that a lack of safety information on product labelling means it is safe. Legislation requires that all workplaces maintain Material Safety Data Sheets on all chemicals used within their work environments.

Poisons Information Centre (PIC)

13 11 26

Ambulance
Triple Zero (000)