# Poison Information Center Keywords: - [Poison Information Center](< /en/search?q=Poison Information Center >) At the Poison Information Center, we respond by phone to questions concerning the prevention and treatment of acute cases of poisoning in humans. We are a nationwide service operating on a 24/7 basis, serving both ordinary citizens and health care professionals. ## Look up information about poisonous substances ## [ Poison Information Center's search ](/en/search/poison-information-center) You can find information on substances, plants and mushrooms with the search function on the Poison Information Center website. Go to the search  ## Current issues ## [ Poison Information Center's Easter and May Day ](/en/patient/how-get-help/poison-information-center/poison-information-centers-easter-and-may-day) The Poison Information Center receives plenty of calls concerning poisonous plants during Easter. May Day festivities mainly evoke questions about alcohol and balloons. Read more about the spring celebration in Poison Information Center  ## [ The most poisonous mushrooms in Finland ](/en/patient/how-get-help/poison-information-center/most-poisonous-mushrooms-finland) There are about 50 poisonous mushrooms in Finland, five of which can cause life-threatening poisoning even in small amounts. Those mushrooms are destroying angel, death cap, funeral bell, deadly webcap and false morel. Read more about the most poisonous mushrooms in Finland  ## First aid instructions ### Toxic substance ingested --- - Rinse the mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. - Find out which toxic substance has been ingested and the possible dose. - Contact the Poison Information Center for risk assessment and further instructions. - In some cases, the Poison Information Center may advice you to administer activated charcoal to prevent absorption. - In life-threatening situations (chest pain, acute shortness of breath, unconsciousness, stroke symptoms, seizure), call the general emergency number 112. ### Inhaled toxic substance --- - Move the patient into fresh air and place him/her in a resting, preferably reclining position. Be careful not to expose yourself to the toxic substance. - Try to find out which toxic substance has been inhaled. Contact the Poison Information Center for risk assessment and further instructions. - If initial mild symptoms do not subside at rest, or if the patient develops a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms, seek medical attention. - In life-threatening situations (chest pain, acute shortness of breath, unconsciousness, stroke symptoms, seizure), call the general emergency number 112. ### Toxic substance on the skin --- - Remove the contaminated clothing and rinse the skin with water. - If the toxic substance is corrosive, rinse at least 30 to 60 minutes. - If the patient experiences severe pain, burns or the skin becomes inflamed, seek medical attention. ### Toxic substance in the eyes --- - Rinse the eyes with water for about 15 minutes. If the toxic substance is corrosive, rinse for at least 30 minutes. - It is important to start rinsing as soon as possible, otherwise the eyes may be damaged. - If the patient experiences severe pain, swelling, sensitivity to the light or watering of the eyes, seek medical attention. ## Select an expert Unfortunately, we do not have the expertise available to provide general advice on medications or foods, or on the treatment of illnesses or allergies. In other cases, please select an expert in the list below: - Questions about medications not related to overdoses: pharmacies. - Questions about animals: your own vet or a vet on call. - Allergies, treatment of illnesses, and general health care advice: your local health care helpline, your local health center, or other emergency clinic. - Food poisoning: your local health center or other emergency clinic. - General information on foods: municipal food authorities. - Information on medications and other external factors with a harmful impact on fertility, fetuses, and newborn infants: [Teratological information service](https://www.hus.fi/sairaanhoito/sairaanhoitopalvelut/teratologinen-tietopalvelu/Sivut/default.aspx). ## Give us feedback - [ Open the feedback form and give feedback to the Poison Information Center. (opens in new window, links to another website) ](https://my.roidu.com/a/kTdLydKHkmcQPNRP) ## Contact information and opening hours ### Phone toll free [ Phone, Phone: 0800 147 111 ]() ### Phone [ Phone, Phone: 09 471 977 ]() #### We are on call 24 hours a day Mon–Sun All day open We provide information to the authorities and the media on weekdays from 08:30 to 15:00. ## Further information on this topic ### [ Information releases and annual statistics ](/en/patient/how-get-help/poison-information-center/information-releases-and-annual-statistics) What are the issues that people call the Poison Information Center about? Here you can check out our information releases and annual statistics in Finnish. Professionals ### [ Chemical products- information to manufactures and importers ](/en/patient/how-get-help/poison-information-center/chemical-products-information-manufactures-and) Importers have a legal obligation to submit information on mixtures available on the market to poison information centers, if the mixtures are classified… Professionals ### [ Adder ](/en/patient/how-get-help/poison-information-center/adder) An adder bite may be life-threatening. Small children, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and older people are at increased risk of severe…  ### [ Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) ](/en/patient/how-get-help/poison-information-center/blue-green-algae-cyanobacteria) Swimming in water contaminated with blue-green algae may cause symptoms of poisoning to people. Drinking water that is contaminated with blue-green algae…  Updated: 31.03.2026 Print this page