Children are often poisoned by household products — here’s what you should lock away

Children are curious and will often explore the world with their senses - especially taste. As a result, home could be a dangerous place if poisonous substances are ingested. 

Here's what you can do to avoid life-threatening accidents.

THINGS TO LOCK AWAY

• Acetone
• Acid B Battery acid
• Battery (button type)
• Benzine
• Caustic soda
• Chlorine for pools
• Diesel fuel
• Dishwasher powder
• Disinfectant
• Drain cleaner
• Firelighter
• Furniture oil
• Petrol
• Hydrochloric acid
• Iron tablets
• Paraffin
• Metal cleaners and polishes
• Mothballs
• Oven cleaner
• Paint (oil)
• Paint remover
• Thinners
• Turpentine
• Varnish
• Toilet cleaner
• Washing powder
• White spirits

EMERGENCY DO'S AND DONT'S

DO

Get the child to hospital immediately.

DON'T

Make the child vomit.

Give the child anything to eat or drink.

 THINGS TO LOCK AWAY

• Bleach
• Detergent
• Dishwashing liquid
• Dye (hair or fabric)
• Fabric softener
• Fertiliser
• Fluoride tablets
• Hair perm lotion
• Hair straightener
• Hydrogen peroxide

EMERGENCY DO'S AND DON'TS

DO

Give the child milk or water immediately (half to full cup).

DON'T

Make the child vomit.

 THINGS TO LOCK AWAY

• Aspirin
• Cold and flu medication
• Cough syrup
• Glue (contact type)
• Insect repellent
• Insecticide
• Oral medicines
• Nail varnish remover
• Paracetamol
• Rat bait
• Sedative
• Snail bait 

EMERGENCY DO'S AND DON'TS

DO

Give the child activated charcoal tablets to absorb the substance.

Infant dose – 10 g in 50 to 100 ml water.

Child dose – 20 to 50 g in 100 to 300 ml water.

Adult dose – 50 to 100 g in 200 to 500 ml water.

THINGS TO LOCK AWAY

• Alcohol
• Ammonia
• Cosmetics
• Deodorant
• Glue
• Perfume
• Shampoo
• Vitamins

EMERGENCY DO'S AND DON'TS

DO

Give the child milk or water immediately (half to full cup).

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN POISONED 

• Call a poison info centre first.
• Take along the container, label, prescription, remaining tablets or the substance swallowed when you take your child to hospital.