More calls to poison helpline last year

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 06:30

The national poisoning hotline had a busy 2022.

Figures out show there was a 25% increase in mushroom poisonings last year. Mushroom pickers are being reminded to make sure you know what you are collecting and make sure you get your haul checked before eating.

Accidental poisonings were also up – around 3%. But attempted suicide attempts were down on 2021, which was higher due to covid restrictions, says the Tox Info Foundation.

Many of the calls – just under half - were about young children. Most of those are normally accidents.

If you need urgent advice on a possible poisoning – you can call 145. You won’t be alone. The number received over 40,000 calls last year.

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