News

Guide to toxic plants

Plants that are considered potentially toxic (poisonous) to humans may cause substantial symptoms, although these are not seen in most cases of accidental ingestion. The risks of developing more moderate-to-severe symptoms increase when larger amounts are chewed or swallowed. For some plants, children and adults will need to be monitored in a hospital emergency department […]

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Guide to low toxicity plants for child friendly gardens and play spaces

The National Poisons Information Centre at Beaumont Hospital has developed a helpful guide to low toxicity plants for child friendly gardens and play spaces. Plants with a low toxicity are generally safe. Sometimes, if a child eats more than a few of these plants this may cause mild symptoms like a sore tummy, and vomiting […]

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Christmas Safety Messages from the NPIC and HSE

Key messages Prevention is key There are things parents, family members and Santa Claus himself can do to help make this special time of year a safe one. Parents and guardians should watch out for button and cylindrical batteries in toys, decorations and gadgets. Serious injury can occur if a child swallows a battery or […]

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NPIC Antidote Survey

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey of antidote availability in Irish hospitals with emergency departments. The survey is now closed. The National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) is currently conducting a survey of antidote availability in Irish hospitals with emergency departments. The pharmacy department of each hospital was contacted in February 2022 and provided […]

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ECHA webinar on Poison centre notifications: new changes and functionalities

ECHA held a webinar on “Poison centre notifications: explaining new changes and functionalities” on 24th November 2021. This webinar details all the latest changes and improvements following the October 2021 release of the poison centre notification (PCN) format and IT solution. It provides more information on the group submission process, as well as covering the […]

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