HomeAccidental poisoning
Many products within the home can cause harm if ingested or touched accidentally.
Common substances which may prove dangerous include:
- aspirin, ibuprofen, paracetamol, diazepam and other medicines
- calamine lotion
- silica gel
- bleach and other cleaning products
- aftershave and perfume
- bath crystals and other beauty products
- alcohol
- firelighters
- brake fluid.
You should also follow these safety tips:
- always store medicines out of reach from children, in a cabinet with a safety lock.
- store household chemicals in their original container, in a locked cupboard, as high as possible, out of reach from children. Never keep them under the sink or by the toilet.
- choose bottles with child-resistant caps and keep them in the locked position. These caps are never 100 per cent reliable so store them in a locked cupboard as well.
- don't take medicine in front of a child, in case they try to copy your actions. Similarly, never tell children that tablets are sweets.
- remove medication or other potentially harmful materials from purses, handbags, pockets, drawers and other places where children are likely to be naturally curious.
- don't keep medicines in the fridge unless advised by a pharmacist.
- be careful when visiting family or friends, as they may not apply the same safety rules in their homes.
- substances kept outdoors, such as paint, anti-freeze and weedkiller, can also be harmful so keep them in a garage, shed or outbuilding which is locked and fitted with a padlock.
In an emergency
If you suspect your child has swallowed a poison, do not make them vomit but instead seek medical help straight away.Check the label of the poison first for immediate advice and then call your pharmacist, doctor or local accident and emergency department.
If in doubt, call 999, especially if the child is unconscious or there is burning to their mouth.
