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Explanation of symbols marked after the plant:
[F] = Phytophotodermatitis; sap or juice from the plant may cause skin symptoms, such as blisters, after exposure to sunlight.
[K] = The plant is non-toxic in moderate amounts or when properly prepared.
Plant causes topical irritation = Sap or juice from the plant may cause irritation (such as stinging) on the skin and in the mouth. Does not absorb into the body.
Mercury in thermometers
In modern thermometers, mercury has been replaced with a safer alloy. Mercury is only found in old thermometers.
The mercury used in old thermometers is metallic (elemental) mercury which is not readily absorbed when ingested or through the skin. Treatment is not required.
Mercury from a broken thermometer vaporises in a couple of days into the room air and is absorbed when the vapour is inhaled. However, the amounts are typically small and not likely to be toxic.
Deliver the mercury from a broken thermometer in a tightly sealed container to your pharmacy to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Collect the mercury into a dustpan with a broom, for example. Vacuuming is not recommended as it might contribute to the vaporisation of the mercury.
Metal objects
Keywords: foreign bodies
Swallowed metal objects are considered harmless regarding to toxicity. However, it can cause bowel obstruction like other foreign bodies.
In case of ingestion, contact your primary healt-care center or other emergency unit for more information.
Methanol
Methanol is a highly toxic substance. Whenever a person is suspected of having ingested methanol, seek immediate medical assistance.
Milk caps (Lactarius)
Many Milk caps can, if eaten raw or uncooked, cause gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea). In most cases, the symptoms can be treated at home with sufficient amount of fluids and rest. Seek medical assistance if symptoms persist. Save the mushroom for possible identification afterwards.
Mosquito plates and coils
Does not require treatment when ingested in small doses. If ingested in greater amounts, administer activated charcoal.
Multivitamins
Keywords: Vitamins, Berocca ®
Multivitamins contain water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins varying amounts. In addition, some products may contain iron, zinc and other minerals.
If several tablets have been ingested, contact the Poison Information Centre to confirm toxicity.
Nail polish
Nail polish is not easy to swallow and the bottles tend to be small. Therefore, the risk of ingesting toxic doses of nail polish is small.
Other nail care products may contain harmful substances. Contact the Poison Information Centre to confirm toxicity.
Naproxen
Keywords: Miranax®, Naprometin®
1-2 tablets intended for adults or a few gulps of naproxen mixture are unlikely to cause symptoms of poisoning in small children.
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and restlessness are common symptoms of naproxen overdose.
If the ingested amount is greater, contact the Poison Information Centre to confirm toxicity.
Nicotine products
Keywords: Nicotinell®, Nicorette®, Nicotine gum
Children: If more than 4 mg of nicotine gum or 2 mg lozenge are ingested, seek medical assistance. Nicotine poses the greatest risk to children under the age of 1. Contact the Poison Information Centre to confirm toxicity.
If there are no symptoms or only mild gastrointestinal symptoms, monitor the child at home. If the ingested amount is greater or the child develops severe gastrointestinal or CNS symptoms, seek medical assistance.
Nitro®
Keywords: Glyceryl trinitrate, Nitroglycerin ®
Swallowing less than three sublingual 0.5mg nitroglycerin tablets is not likely to cause symptoms that require special treatment. When swallowed, nitroglycerin tablets lose much of their potency. If the tablets were chewed or sucked like candy, the risk is greater. In such cases, contact the Poison Information Centre to confirm toxicity.