National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland

04/09/2026

All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing poison.” - Paracelsus (15th century)
Call on 01 809 2166 for immediate advice if poisoning is suspected.

03/09/2026

The NPIC is regularly contacted about eye exposure to household cleaning products and other chemicals. Here is some advice for eye irrigation at home.
✅ For YOUNGER CHILDREN, gently wrap them up in a towel to constrain their arms.
✅ Wash your hands before touching the eye area.
✅ Place them on your lap with an empty basin at your feet.
✅ Gently pull down on the lower eye lid (get help if available).
✅ Using a small jug, trickle a steady stream of lukewarm water into the eye.
✅ Aim the water to hit the bridge of the nose, have the head tilted so that it is running out of the eye at the ear and into the basin underneath.
✅ Encourage blinking during the irrigation.
✅ Irrigate for 10-15 mins.

✅ For ADULTS and OLDER CHILDREN, hop in the shower.
✅ Use the shower head with lukewarm water, at very low pressure to irrigate the eye.
✅ Tilt your head back so that the water is trickling into the eye from above.
✅ Aim the water to hit the bridge of the nose so that it gently runs into the eye.
✅ Gently pull down the lower lid and blink regularly.
✅ Irrigate for 10-15 mins
✅ Contact the NPIC on 01 809 2166 . Eye exposure to some substances will require referral to hospital even if the eye has been satisfactorily irrigated at home.

03/09/2026

🍾 60 years of the National Poisons Information Centre of Ireland!
This day last week, we were delighted to mark 60 years of providing poisons information and advice in Ireland.
Established in 1966 at the instigation of the Department of Health - Ireland and the Irish Medical Association (now Irish Medical Organisation), the NPIC has spent six decades providing specialist, evidence-based poisons information and treatment advice to healthcare professionals, supporting the public and contributing to poison prevention.
This year also marks 15 years since we launched our Public Poisons Information Line, extending the Centre’s service directly to members of the public and providing advice and reassurance when poisoning incidents occur in the home and community.
Our Diamond Jubilee celebration brought together colleagues and stakeholders from across the health and public service, including representatives from Government, public health, hospital services and regulatory authorities, alongside colleagues and friends of the Centre. We were delighted to host a variety of colleagues including staff from the Health Service Executive & Health and Safety Authority
The event was opened by speeches from our clinical director Dr Edel Duggan Duggan, HSE National Director of Public Health Dr John Cuddihy and Beaumont Hospital CEO Anne Coyle. We had talks from Dr Joe Tracey "History of the NPIC", mycologist Dr Kieran Connolly "Mushroom Mayhem", and Dr Saja Alhawal "Hidden poisons every parent should know about ".

We also took the opportunity to recognise and thank the team of mycologists who have generously volunteered their time over the years to visit the NPIC and assist with the identification of fungi. Their expertise and support have been invaluable in helping us provide advice in cases of suspected mushroom poisoning.
Since 1966 our work has continued to evolve with the needs of the people we serve. 60 years of NPIC. 15 years of the Public Poisons Information Line.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this important milestone.

HSE Ireland HSE mychild.ie Roinn Sláinte, Department of Health

03/09/2026

Following a chemical splash to the eyes or skin
✅Act quickly
✅Wash the area with a large volume of lukewarm, low pressure running tap water or saline
✅Continue to wash for at least 15 minutes
✅ Call National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland for prompt, tailored advice
01 809 2166

02/09/2026

Here is a great article from Child Accident Prevention Trust
In Ireland call 01 809 2166 for advice on poisoning
National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland

Let’s admit it, we’ve all been there: You turn your back for a second and suddenly your toddler has something gross in their mouth. Dirt, old crumbs, or play dough. Everything is fair game for a curious little one.

Whilst most of this exploration is healthy and good for their development, there are some dangerous things can cause devastating injuries if swallowed.

Learn why they do it, which things to look out for and simple steps to keep your little one safe here: https://capt.org.uk/why-do-children-swallow-the-weirdest-things/

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever caught your little one trying to eat? Let us know in the comments.

02/09/2026

🍾 60 years of the National Poisons Information Centre of Ireland!
On Thursday 27 August, we were delighted to mark a very special milestone at the National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) in Beaumont Hospital. 60 years of providing poisons information and advice in Ireland.
Established in 1966 at the instigation of the Department of Health - Ireland and the Irish Medical Association (now Irish Medical Organisation), the NPIC has spent six decades providing specialist, evidence-based poisons information and treatment advice to healthcare professionals, supporting the public and contributing to poison prevention.
This year also marks 15 years since we launched our Public Poisons Information Line, extending the Centre’s service directly to members of the public and providing advice and reassurance when poisoning incidents occur in the home and community.
Our Diamond Jubilee celebration brought together colleagues and stakeholders from across the health and public service, including representatives from Government, public health, hospital services and regulatory authorities, alongside colleagues and friends of the Centre. We were delighted to host a variety of colleagues including staff from the Health Service Executive & Health and Safety Authority
The event was opened by speeches from our clinical director Dr Edel Duggan Duggan, HSE National Director of Public Health Dr John Cuddihy and Beaumont Hospital CEO Anne Coyle.
The afternoon featured talks reflecting on the history and work of the NPIC, as well as some poisoning risks affecting the community.
We were delighted to hear from:
🎙️Dr Joe Tracey – History of the NPIC
🍄Dr Kieran Connolly – Mushroom Mayhem
🏠Dr SAJA ALHAWAL – Hidden poisons every parent should know about
We also took the opportunity to recognise and thank the team of mycologists who have generously volunteered their time over the years to visit the NPIC and assist with the identification of fungi. Their expertise and supporthave been invaluable in helping us provide advice in cases of suspected mushroom poisoning.
Anniversaries such as these are an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and, most importantly, to recognise the people and organisations who have contributed to the work of the NPIC over the years.
From the Centre’s establishment in 1966, to the launch of the Public Poisons Information Line in 2011, our work has continued to evolve with the needs of the people we serve.
60 years of NPIC. 15 years of the Public Poisons Information Line.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this important milestone, and to all those who have supported the NPIC over the past 60 years.
📄 For further details about the NPIC, its history and our 60th anniversary, see our press release here: https://lnkd.in/gTcb74n7

02/09/2026

For a poisoning emergency with chemicals that come in contact with skin
-Wash the area well with running water for at least 10 mins
-Remove contaminated clothing
-Call National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland 01 809 2166
-Always take the product container with you to the telephone, GP or hospital

01/09/2026

CAUSTIC HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS are acidic or alkaline. They come in the form of liquids, powders or granules or are contained in aerosols. The most common caustic products found in the home are drain unblockers, oven cleaners and laundry stain removers.
Caustic household products cause burns on contact with the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract. The burns usually occur instantly. The injury cannot be reversed, only treated.
Advice on preventing corrosive injury from caustic household products;
Purchase a caustic product for use in the home only if nothing else will do the job.
Purchase only the amount that you need.
Store the product safely, preferably locked away and out reach and sight of children.
Store products in their original containers with the child resistant cap secured tightly.
NEVER transfer caustic products into drinks bottles.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's directions of use carefully.
Wear gloves, protect your skin and open windows if the label says to do so.
NEVER use caustic products when children are around.
NEVER mix caustic products with any other household cleaning products.
Advice on FIRST AID measures following exposure to caustic household products;
If a caustic product is swallowed ALWAYS seek medical advice before taking/giving fluids to drink.
If you inhale fumes from a caustic product, get to fresh air immediately. Seek medical advice if you are coughing or short of breath.
If a caustic product comes in contact with the eye, irrigate the eye immediately with running water for 10-15 mins and seek medical advice.
If a caustic product comes in contact with the skin, irrigate the exposed area of skin with running water for 10-15 mins. Seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
Call the Poisons Centre on 01-8092166 if you or your child have been exposed to caustic household products.

01/09/2026

Following skin exposure the type of corrosive injury varies depending on the product pH. Acids can cause pain, blistering, ulceration & necrosis. Alkalis directly damage & pe*****te the skin causing full thickness burns. Skin injuries can be delayed - always seek medical advice National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland 01 809 2166

31/08/2026

It's back to school time. Arts and craft materials are generally low in toxicity but accidents can happen! If ingestion, ocular or dermal exposures occur, call on 01 809 2166 for advice