National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland

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National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland

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Phone us on 01 8092166 for fast, expert advice if you think someone has been poisoned. Questions about poisoning cannot be answered on this page.

Our mission is to provide immediate, evidence-based and up-to-date information on the best care for people We provide information to doctors, nurses & other healthcare professionals to help them give the best treatment to poisoned patients. We also advise members of the public on the need for urgent medical attention if accidental poisoning is suspected. Calls are answered by specially trained Poisons Information Officers. Our public poisons information line (01 8092166) is aimed in particular at parents and those caring for young children. We can rapidly tell you if you need to seek urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning has occurred. This service is available between the hours of 8am and 10pm 7 days a week. Outside these hours you should contact your GP service or local hospital emergency department who can in turn contact us if necessary. We also serve as an expert resource for physicians and other health care professionals treating patients who have been poisoned. Complex clinical questions can be referred to our Medical Director. This service is available 24 hours a day on our dedicated line for health care professionals (01) 8379964.

04/11/2026

6 things you may not have realised can be highly toxic to children:
1. Essential oils / reed diffuser liquid
2. Mouthwash containing alcohol
3. Ni****ne in ci******es or cigarette stubs or ni****ne replacement therapy chewing gum
4. Salt
5. Muscle rubs
6. button batteries

04/11/2026

Ni****ne replacement products come in different forms (tablet, lozenge, spray, patch, e-cigarette) and have varying ni****ne concentrations. Ni****ne is highly toxic to children and if ingested. Healthcare staff can call National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland for 24hr poisoning advice on 01 809 2566 and members of the public can call 01 809 2166 for advice between 8am and 10pm every day of the year (outside these hours call your local health provider)

03/11/2026

We’re asking everyone to save the number for the Public Poisons Line in your phone and address book – you never know when you’ll need it!
01 809 2166

02/11/2026

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) gas is produced when ordinary fuels burn; for example, oil, natural gas, coal and turf. It is COLOURLESS and ODOURLESS. When inhaled, it prevents the blood cells from carrying enough oxygen around the body. All organs can be harmed by the lack of oxygen. High levels of CO can quickly kill, but even lower levels can have long lasting effects.

WHAT CAUSES EXPOSURE TO CO?
🟢 Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated household appliances; for example, gas cookers, heaters and boilers, are the most common causes of accidental exposure to CO.
🟢 Other possible causes may include blocked flues and chimneys or burning fuel in an enclosed or unventilated area.

SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING
🔴 A tension-type headache is the most common symptom reported.
🔴 Other symptoms include; dizziness, feeling or being sick, tiredness and shortness of breath.
🔴 Symptoms of low level CO poisoning can be similar to food poisoning and flu.
🔴 CO poisoning does not cause a high temperature.
Other clues that may indicate CO poisoning include:
🔴 Symptoms occur when an appliance is on.
🔴 Other people in the house suffering similar symptoms.
🔴 Symptoms improve when you are outside.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CO ALARM SOUNDS OR YOU SUSPECT CO EXPOSURE
✅ Turn off any fuel burning appliances.
✅ Open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
✅ Get everyone to fresh air in a calm manner.
✅ If you or anybody feels unwell call an ambulance.
✅ If you do not develop symptoms call a qualified service agent to check your appliances before reusing them.
✅ If you are concerned call the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Line on 1850 797979.

PREVENTING CO POISONING
🔵 Boilers, gas cookers and heating systems should be installed and regularly serviced by a registered engineer.
🔵 Make sure all flues and chimneys are kept clear and swept regularly.
🔵 Never block room vents.
🔵 Do not use appliances you suspect may be faulty.
🔵 Install a CO alarm that complies with European Standard EN5029. Follow the manufacturer's instructions or have a qualified installer fit it for you.

Call 01- 8092166 if you suspect CO poisoning.
More information on www.carbonmonoxide.ie

02/11/2026

CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) gas is produced when ordinary fuels burn; for example, oil, natural gas, coal and turf. It is COLOURLESS and ODOURLESS. When inhaled, it prevents the blood cells from carrying enough oxygen around the body. All organs can be harmed by the lack of oxygen. High levels of CO can quickly kill, but even lower levels can have long lasting effects.
WHAT CAUSES EXPOSURE TO CO?
Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated household appliances; for example, gas cookers, heaters and boilers, are the most common causes of accidental exposure to CO.
Other possible causes may include blocked flues and chimneys or burning fuel in an enclosed or unventilated area.
SYMPTOMS OF CO POISONING
A tension-type headache is the most common symptom reported.
Other symptoms include; dizziness, feeling or being sick, tiredness and shortness of breath.
Symptoms of low level CO poisoning can be similar to food poisoning and flu.
CO poisoning does not cause a high temperature.
Other clues that may indicate CO poisoning include:
Symptoms occur when an appliance is on.
Other people in the house suffering similar symptoms.
Symptoms improve when you are outside.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CO ALARM SOUNDS OR YOU SUSPECT CO EXPOSURE
Turn off any fuel burning appliances.
Open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
Get everyone to fresh air in a calm manner.
If you or anybody feels unwell call an ambulance.
If you do not develop symptoms call a qualified service agent to check your appliances before reusing them.
If you are concerned call the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Line on 1850 797979.
PREVENTING CO POISONING
Boilers, gas cookers and heating systems should be installed and regularly serviced by a registered engineer.
Make sure all flues and chimneys are kept clear and swept regularly.
Never block room vents.
Do not use appliances you suspect may be faulty.
Install a CO alarm that complies with European Standard EN5029. Follow the manufacturer's instructions or have a qualified installer fit it for you.
Call 01- 8092166 if you suspect CO poisoning.
More information on www.carbonmonoxide.ie

01/11/2026

It's November, so in Ireland, the weather is turning cooler. If and when it does please be aware of the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm and that it works. If you have elderly neighbours or neighbours who live alone maybe you could touch base and check they have a carbon monoxode alarm.
• Remember, Carbon Monoxide can be produced when ANY fuel is burnt, including oil, gas, wood and coal.
• Remember, to prevent Carbon Monoxide, have appliances serviced annually and keep vents, flues and chimneys clear.
• Remember, Carbon Monoxide is odourless and colourless so for added protection install an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm.
Check out https://www.gasnetworks.ie , www.carbonmonoxide.ie and follow on Twitter for more information on Carbon Monoxide. You can call us at the NPIC on 01 809 2166 if you or someone you know has been exposed to Carbon Monoxide.
Picture credit to our colleagues in

01/11/2026

With the cooler weather coming in, people are lighting their fires for warmth and cosy effects. As we know, children learn through touch and taste and firelighters seem to be very appealing to them. Keep firelighters out of reach from babies, toddlers and children. Due to the make up of these products there is risk of respiratory symptoms if someone swallows some.
Call us for advice if your child puts firelighters in his or her mouth and we'll tell you what to do. 01 8092166 National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland

31/10/2026

Weekly from the National Poisons Information Centre.
This is a second generation antipsychotic drug used for the treatment of schizophrenia and manic episodes

31/10/2026

We hope everybody is as excited as we are to celebrate Halloween today. Halloween treats are great. Tricks are not.

✅ Check treats before they are consumed.
✅ Do not eat unwrapped sweets.
✅ Contact the NPIC on 01-8092166 if you suspect your child has been exposed to a poison for immediate expert advice.
✅ Stay safe.

Happy Halloween from all at the National Poisons Information Centre. 🎃

30/10/2026

Dry ice - often used as a prop for Halloween - can be very harmful. It can cause a lot of serious symptoms, including frostbite if there is skin contact. Call us on 01 809 2166 for the most up-to-date and correct information on how to treat exposures to dry ice or other medicines or household chemicals.

Address

Beaumont Road
Dublin
DUBLIN9

Website

http://www.poisons.ie/

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