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Australian Family Physician
Australian Family Physician

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Volume 39, Issue 11, November 2010

Small dose... Big poison

George Braitberg Ed Oakley
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Introduction
All substances are poisons; There is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison from a remedy. Paracelsus (1493–1541)1
Background
It is not possible to identify all toxic substances in a single journal article. However, there are some exposures that in small doses are potentially fatal. Many of these exposures are particularly toxic to children. Using data from poison control centres, it is possible to recognise this group of exposures.
Objective
This article provides information to assist the general practitioner to identify potential toxic substance exposures in children.
Discussion
In this article the authors report the signs and symptoms of toxic exposures and identify the time of onset. Where clear recommendations on the period of observation and known fatal dose are available, these are provided. We do not discuss management or disposition, and advise readers to contact the Poison Information Service or a toxicologist for this advice.

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