National Poisons Information Centre 2019 Annual Report highlights common household items which can affect children
The National Poisons Information Centre of Ireland (NPIC) has today launched their 2019 Annual Report.
The report highlights the diverse queries received by the Centre in 2019. The Annual Report is based on data collected from enquiries to the NPIC from members of the public, healthcare professionals and others.
The Centre also collects and interprets epidemiological data on acute poisoning.
2019 saw an increase of enquiries by 10.5% when compared to 2018, totalling 11,835 enquiries to the centre in 2019.
The NPIC is responsible for providing information to healthcare professionals to assist them in the management of acute poisoning. The Centre also run the Public Poisons Information Line for members of the public who are concerned about accidental poisoning.
Once again, the Annual Report identifies paracetamol and ibuprofen as the medicines most commonly associated with queries to the centre in 2019. Multivitamins were the third most common medicines associated with queries.
Cleaning sachets or laundry tablets and pods were the most common household items identified by the centre with 324 queries received in relation to these items.
Approximately 60% of queries in 2019 related to incidents involving children under the age of 10, with those aged between one and four accounting for 45% of all queries.
Dr Edel Duggan, Clinical Director of the NPIC noted “In 2019 we recorded an increase of 10.5% in queries to the NPIC. Of those we noted that over 92% of human poisonings occurred in a home setting, so it is really vital that people are aware of common household items which could result in poisoning.
With people spending more time than ever at home in 2020, we all need to be aware of the household items which could affect children, especially younger children who may not recognise the danger of these products.”
Dr Duggan added “The Public Poisons Information Line is available 7 days a week between 8am and 10pm for queries from the public, aimed at parents, where we can rapidly advise if you need to seek urgent medical attention for your child. Outside of these hours parents should contact their GP service or a hospital emergency department.”
