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Mercury in thermometers
In modern thermometers, mercury has been replaced with a safer alloy. Mercury is only found in old thermometers.
The mercury used in old thermometers is metallic (elemental) mercury which is not readily absorbed when ingested or through the skin. Treatment is not required.
Mercury from a broken thermometer vaporises in a couple of days into the room air and is absorbed when the vapour is inhaled. However, the amounts are typically small and not likely to be toxic.
Deliver the mercury from a broken thermometer in a tightly sealed container to your pharmacy to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Collect the mercury into a dustpan with a broom, for example. Vacuuming is not recommended as it might contribute to the vaporisation of the mercury.
Metal objects
Keywords: foreign bodies
Swallowed metal objects are considered harmless regarding to toxicity. However, it can cause bowel obstruction like other foreign bodies.
In case of ingestion, contact your primary healthcare center or other emergency unit for more information.
Methanol
Methanol is a highly toxic substance. Whenever a person is suspected of having ingested methanol, seek immediate medical assistance.
Milk caps (Lactarius)
Many Milk caps can, if eaten raw or uncooked, cause gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea). In most cases, the symptoms can be treated at home with sufficient amount of fluids and rest. Seek medical assistance if symptoms persist. Save the mushroom for possible identification afterwards.
Mosquito plates and coils
Does not require treatment when ingested in small doses. If ingested in greater amounts, contact the Poison Information Centre to confirm toxicity.
Multivitamins
Keywords: Vitamins, Berocca ®
Multivitamins contain water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins varying amounts. In addition, some products may contain iron, zinc and other minerals.
If several tablets have been ingested, contact the Poison Information Centre to confirm toxicity.
Nail polish
Nail polish is not easy to swallow and the bottles tend to be small. Therefore, the risk of ingesting toxic doses of nail polish is small.
Other nail care products may contain harmful substances. Contact the Poison Information Centre to confirm toxicity.
Naproxen
Keywords: Miranax®, Naprometin®
A single dose not exceeding 100mg/kg of body weight is harmless and does not require treatment. If the ingested amount is over 100mg/kg of body weight (or over 5g if body weight over 40 kg), contact the Poison Information Centre to confirm toxicity.
Nicotine products
Keywords: Nicotinell®, Nicorette®, Nicotine gum
Children: If the amount ingested is under 6 mg of any nicotine product and there are no symptoms or only gastrointestinal symptoms, monitor the child at home. If the ingested amount is greater or the child develops severe gastrointestinal or CNS symptoms, seek medical assistance.
For snus, nicotine pouch and electronic cigarette, check the information separately.
Nitro®
Keywords: Glyceryl trinitrate, Nitroglycerin ®
Four sublingual 0.5 mg nitroglycerin tablets or less is not likely to cause symptoms that require special treatment. If the amount is greater contact the Poison Information Centre to confirm toxicity.