Holidays are an important time to be vigilant with adults and children alike around potential household hazards.
The numbers are worrying. Around 180,000 calls are supposed to Poisons Information Centres in Australia each year and around part of those incidents involve children who’ve encounter poisonous, or potentially toxic, substances.
The most typical culprits
From detergents and toilet cleaners to give sanitisers and pool chemicals – many everyday household items are a hazard, particularly for younger children.
A recent report out of your Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found almost 2,500 students are admitted to hospital on an annual basis following poisonings – that’s around 50 children seven days.
“The most serious incidents be used for carbon monoxide exposure, button batteries, caustic cleaners just like oven and BBQ cleaners, acids, pool chemicals, household bleaches and herbicides,” says Delia Rickard, ACCC Deputy Chair.
“Children under five are most vulnerable to accidental poisoning, in the risk highest for two-year-olds.”
The ACCC report says injuries from poisons start from skin irritations and eye damage through to severe internal burns. Swallowing toxic products could lead to difficulty in swallowing, chest pains, abdominal pain and vomiting. Some chemicals cause rashes, chemical burns and blindness if they come into contact with skin pores or eyes.
“The commonest causes of poisoning incidents were all-purpose and hard surface cleaners, detergents, toilet bowl products, bleach, hand sanitisers, detergents and glow sticks,” adds Delia Rickard.
“Poisonings often occur on holidays when individuals are heading to holiday houses or visiting associates who might not have young children. Be especially vigilant and look the house on arrival to make sure of medicines and household chemicals cannot fall into little hands.”
How to maintain your home safe from poisons
Store cleaning products from a secure cabinet that kids can’t reach.
Check your home, laundry, bathroom, toilet, garage and garden shed for potential poisons and stow them away securely.
If you’re staying in a holiday house or holiday rental, examine the house for every chemicals and hang them away from children.
If you’re keeping friends or relatives, make them put any household chemicals away and because of sight of children.
Keep household chemicals inside their original containers – don’t transfer them how to used soda bottles. Small children could easily mistake poison for pop!
Read the safety instructions on trademarks and follow use and storage directions.
Always close containers properly so any child resistant features work correctly.
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Written by Sarah Marinos
