Some drugs and chemicals commonly found around the home can cause serious illness, or even death to a child.

Yet child poisoning can be easily prevented in just a few minutes, and for almost no cost.

 

Child poisonings are most commonly caused by medicines and household chemicals; especially those stored unsafely or those in use and ‘left out’ in easy reach. Poisonings can happen quickly if adults aren’t watching or are out of the room for just a few minutes. Toddlers aged 1 to 2 are most at risk, as they tend to put everything they find in their mouths. Accidents are even more likely if there’s a lot of activity around the house. You may be moving or have visitors.

 

When you take medicine, don’t leave the packet or bottle out on the table – child-resistant packaging isn’t totally child-proof. Don’t leave tablets in your handbag either, and remember visitors may be carrying medicine, so keep their bags out of reach.

 

If you’re using a household cleaner, keep the bottle out of reach with the lid on, and don’t leave children alone with the product. Be aware of what’s toxic – even tiny batteries are poisonous.

 

Don’t rely on child-resistant catches on cupboards, it’s safest to remove potential poisons all together and store them out of sight and out of reach. Even if a child has never shown any interest in the detergents under the sink or the medication on the bedside table, there is a first time for everything.

 

 

6 simple steps to keep kids safe from poisons:

1. Store medicines in a lockable cabinet.

 

Ideally the cabinet should be wall-mounted and out of reach. As soon as you’ve taken the medication, lock it back in the cabinet.

 

2. Make a safe storage place for chemicals.

 

Keep chemicals out of sight and out of reach in the garage or shed. Never underestimate the capabilities of young children to reach things you’ve put ‘out of bounds’.

 

3. Don’t take medicine in front of kids.

 

They may copy you. Never call tablets ‘lollies’ and do teach kids that only adults can give them medicine. Don’t put toxic products into other containers like drink bottles.

 

4. Read the label.

 

Make sure you know what’s poisonous. A lot of household chemicals, like dishwasher powder and toilet cleaners, are very toxic. Even vitamin tablets and eco-friendly ‘green’ products can be dangerous.

 

5. Check your garden for poisonous plants.

 

Some are dangerous if eaten. Get rid of oleander, deadly nightshade, foxgloves and daphne.

 

6. Keep the Poisons hotline number 0800 764 766 by your phone.

 

If you think your child has been accidentally poisoned, call the 24-hour Poisons Information Centre straight away.

 

 

Further information 

 

http://www.toxinz.com has a database of over 60,000 poisons and the correct treatment needed in the case of poisoning.

 

Find basic information about home safety on the acc website