Poisoning information sources

Data from both human and animal exposures are frequently used in the risk assessment of chemical exposures [12]. Most toxicity data are obtained from animal studies. Human data sources are often not recognized, and internationally there is a lack of systematic experimental and clinical (human) observational data. Available data are often of poor comparability and frequently include inadequate follow-up. A number of institutions and services have the ability to collect human health data, and these include poisons information centres, clinical toxicology centres, pre- and post-natal surveillance programs, occupational health services and hospital out-patient services. 

Finally in these morbidity considerations, there is a particularly important source of primary data concerning toxic chemicals that should not be overlooked, namely poison infrxmation and control centres, especially as these are already linked both nationally and internationally, not only as poison information and control centres, but also with WHO programmes such as the International Programme on Chemical Safety. 

Transport and Emergency (TREM) cards, poison centres or other information sources. Safe transport of marine pollutants is ensured by MARPOL 73/78 [1], which is in effect a supplement to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code of the International Maritime Organization. 

Cyanobacterial toxins (both marine and freshwater) are functionally and chemically a diverse group of secondary chemicals. They show structure and function similarities to higher plant and algal toxins. Of particular importance to this publication is the production of toxins which appear to be identical with saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin. Since these are the primary toxins involved in cases of paralytic shellfish poisons, these aphantoxins could be a source of PSP standards and the study of their production by Aphanizomenon can provide information on the biosynthesis of PSP s. The cyanobacteria toxins have not received extensive attention since they have fewer vectors by which they come in contact with humans. As freshwater supplies become more eutrophicated and as cyanobacteria are increasingly used as a source of single cell protein toxic cyanobacteria will have increased importance (39). The study of these cyanobacterial toxins can contribute to a better understanding of seafood poisons. 

NPTN is based at Oregon State University and is cooperatively sponsored by the University and EPA. NPTN serves as a source of objective, science-based pesticide information on a wide range of pesticide-related topics, such as recognition and management of pesticide poisonings, safety information, health and environmental effects, referrals for investigation of pesticide incidents and emergency treatment for both humans and animals, and cleanup and disposal procedures. 

Please notice that from now on the information given for each drug or poison includes its structure, source, the symptoms it produces, its uses (other than that of drug or poison), LD50. and the antidote (if known). 

Although at a low level relative to occupational exposures, it is becoming apparent that a major source of chemical exposures for the general population results from the use of products in and around the home (Whitmore et al., 1994 Hill et ai, 1995). Information and data regarding pesticide health-related incidences can be obtained from the American Association of Poison Control Centers (website http //www.aapcc.org), the US Enviromnental Protection Agency (website http //www.epa.gov/pesticides) or state regulatory... 

An important milestone was the Materia Medica, a text produced by Dioscorides in ad 50 in which he classified poisons as animal, plant, or mineral, described them, and included drawings. This remained one of the major sources of information on poisons for sixteen centuries. Dioscorides also recognized the importance of emetics, which induce vomiting, in the treatment of poisoning. 

In essence, this book is a landmark publication in the field of toxicology of CWAs/CWMD, as it provides comprehensive coverage of these chemicals and emphasizes current and novel issues that have not previously been addressed. It is hoped that this book will aid not only academicians but lay persons in community preparedness at local, state, and federal levels to protect civilians, military personnel, animals, wildlife, and the environment from chemical attacks by terrorists, dictators, and other adversaries. This book will be an invaluable source of information for homeland security, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Department of Defense Research Estabhshment, diagnostic labs, poison control centers, federal, state and local authorities, forensic scientists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, chemists, biologists, environmentalists, teachers, students, and libraries. 

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