LACK of proper knowledge about poisoning and the use of antidotes leads to a number of deaths in the sub-continent. Now the first National Poisons Information Centre has been set up at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The Centre will function round-the-clock and give immediate tips to the needy. Doctors will be advised in identifying the cause of poisoning and the antidote to be used. The medicos will be available for consultation over telephone. Queries will be answered on 011-6859391.

The Centre will also ensure that antidotes are made available in places where they are now difficult to procure. It plans to establish links with other poison information centres in the world through the Internet. The need for such a set-up was felt because of the rising number of poisoning cases. In the words of S B Lall, the head of the. Centre, "We are surrounded by I chemicals at home and small industries around our homes." Information can be sought on poisoning induced by chemicals, plants, drugs, household pesticides and in cases of poisonous gas leakage from an industry.