8 poisons to lock away

Children aged 1-3 are at the highest risk of ingesting poisons due to their inquisitive nature. Poisons come in many different types.

• Button batteries

• Household cleaners

• Pesticides

• Paints, garden fertalizers

• Medications

• Paints and glues

• Toiletries, cosmetics etc.

• Alcohol

The best way to avoid your child being poisoned is to baby proof your house. Lock away, store securely or keep poisons out of reach.

Think about a lot of household cleaning products that are stored under the kitchen sink. They are often all in bright coloured bottles or dishwashing tablets that look like lollies. This is very appealing and can be easily accessed by toddlers. The best thing to do is to put a baby proof lock on it or change its location.

Also be vigilant when in new environment or at other people’s houses. They might not have locked away poisons like you have.

 Remember prevention is the key in reducing accident and injuries.

What to do:

• If your child is unresponsive, having difficulty breathing, having a seizure or is floppy or drowsy call 000 immediately for an ambulance and place child left lateral on the side

• If you suspect your child has been poisoned, call the poison hotline on 13 11 26 Available 24 hour a day, 7 days a week

Learn more about prevention, worrying signs and symptoms and what to do for your child today. See what we offer here

References: 

New South Wales Posions Information: NSW Poisons Information Centre

Childrens Safety Handbook: Home Page | Queensland Policy Legacy: Child Safety Handbook

Royal Childrens Hospital -Kids Health information Fact Sheets, Poison Prevention- Kids Health Information : Safety: Poisoning prevention (rch.org.au)