Poison Information Resources: Its Role In Prevention And Management of Poisoning

Poisoning is a significant global public health problem. Every year, approximately half a million people die world-wide due to poisoning. Immediate poisoning information and management in the early diagnosis, treatment, management, prevention and hazards management of poisoning is provided by specialized unit, Poison Information Center (PIC) through well trained poison information specialist. Poison information service (PIS) also deals with the risk assessment, diagnosis, management and prevention of exposure to any poison, in patients of any age irrespective of type (intentional or accidental) and route of exposure. The effective functioning of a PIC depends on the availability of an adequate volume of evaluated data to furnish a basis for the advice given. A timely provision of poisoning information is appropriate for the poison management which is provided by Poison Information Services as per the needs of the enquirer. Poison information resources are of different types including primary, secondary, tertiary resources. Secondary sources such as Poisindex, Hypertox, Intox and Toxinz are must for the retrieval of quick and updated information. Many of the countries have their own databases for the products available in their region. Thus Poison information resources plays a crucial role in the prevention and management of poisoning cases through provision of information to general public and also to healthcare professionals.