POISON
POISONS are substances that have the potential to destroy life or harm health.
ROUTE OF ENTRY
POISONS can enter the body via the following processes:
PROCESS
Ingestion Inhalation Injection Absorption
LIKELY SOURCE OR CAUSE
Consumption of contaminated food Inhaling contaminated vapour Bites, needles Absorptive function of skin
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Nausea; Vomiting; Pain; Breathing difficulties; Seizure; Confusion; Unconsciousness
TREATMENT
1. Call for help (112 or 999). 2. Identify source of poison.
If the patient has inhaled a poison:
1. Escort him or her to fresh air. 2. Find the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in the workplace where chemicals are in use. Or, if the patient has absorbed a poison: remove any affected clothing and rinse the affected area with clean water. Or, if the patient has ingested a poison do not induce vomiting, but: 1. Contact the emergency services immediately to arrange transportation to hospital. 2. Be aware that the patient may become unresponsive. 3. If the patient is less than Alert on the AVPU scale place them in the recovery position. 4. Pass on any poison container and/or Safety Data Sheet to the emergency services or hospital. 5. Follow any advice given by ambulance control.
Harmful, Corrosive, Toxic, Chemical
THE presence of harmful, corrosive and toxic chemicals must be indicated on their containers. Each type of chemical has its own symbol (see the list above). You may find signs with these symbols in your workplace. A full list of symbols can be found on the HSA website, www.hsa.ie
A poison can also be referred to as a toxin
THE effects of poisons may occur immediately or symptoms may manifest gradually. The poison may cause temporary or permanent damage. Generally poisons are carried in the bloodstream and cause damage to multiple organs and tissues.