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Dishwashing liquid, silica gel sachets and bleach are most commonly swallowed by children. (Photo: GALLO IMAGES/ GETTY IMAGES)
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.
