BSc (Brunel), BSc (Open), MSc, MA Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).
Chocolate is made from the fermented, dried then roasted beans of Theobroma cacao (Figure 1). After roasting, the shell is removed, and the remaining nibs are ground to cocoa mass which is liquefied...
Salbutamol in often available in a pressurised aluminium cannister which can be easily pierced by a dog..
A common antifreeze ingredient is ethylene glycol (also known as ethanediol). It is not toxic itself, but is metabolised to toxic compounds by the action of alcohol dehydrogenase. This enzyme oxidises...
Luminous novelty items such as necklaces, glow sticks and glow bracelets, are often available at fair grounds and similar venues particularly at Halloween and Bonfire Night. They consist of...
The European adder, Vipera berus berus is the only venomous snake native to the UK where it is a protected species. The adder generally only bites when provoked (Figure 1), and bites rarely occur...
Both indoor and outdoor domestic fertilisers tend to be ‘NPK-based’, containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Various products are available (Figure 1). Houseplant fertilisers are...
Cyanobacteria occur in both freshwater and marine environments. Under certain environmental conditions cyanobacteria can quickly form extensive and often visible growths or blooms. These most commonly...
Detergents are very common household chemicals. They are found in a variety of cleaning products such as washing up liquids, toilet cleaners and fabric washing products and come in the form of...
Many different types of substances found in the home can have adverse effects on cardiac and cardiovascular function. If uncontrolled, these can lead to complications of cardiac damage and tissue...
The mechanisms of many of the substances causing neurological effects is unknown. Few have a specific antidote, therefore management in most cases is supportive, with the focus on controlling or...
Poisoning can result in adverse effects on the kidney through a variety of mechanisms, including formation of toxic metabolites, interference with normal physiological process and, in some cases,...
