About PoisonSense

A strong interest in how substances act on the body led the author to pursue training in Toxicology, culminating in an MSc in Pharmacology and Toxicology. After redeployment in 2012 to a regional hospital in the former Rift Valley province, and encouraged by pharmacy colleagues, the author conducted an exploratory study on clinical toxicology at the hospital. The study revealed that most acute poisoning cases were due to pesticide intoxication and, more concerningly, that many cases were misclassified and managed inappropriately or inadequately.

These findings highlighted the need for a database and clear treatment protocols for common pesticides involved in human poisoning. PoisonSense was created to address this gap. However, health risks may vary depending on a product’s formulation. Some products contain solvents, additives, or minor components not clearly disclosed for commercial reasons, which may pose additional risks. Therefore, the Product Safety Data Sheet remains a critical source of toxicological information for health professionals.

Because most poisoning victims receive some form of home intervention before reaching hospital, first aid guidance has also been included.

There is very  limited knowledge, across all cadres and across all counties, on clinical management of toxic agents.  Admittedly, this endevour  has  played a major role in reducing morbidity and mortality from acute poisoning in our hospital, Kapsabet County Referral Hospital. PoisonSense intends to be a reliable source of toxicological information.