- Poisonings
- What can we do?
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The home is the most common setting for childhood poisoning.
Poisoning - What can we do?
For the younger age group, there are a variety of simple precautions which can be taken.
- Keep medicines in their original packaging, out of reach of children in locked cabinets, preferably in the kitchen which is a more supervised area.
- Keep cleaners and other chemicals in their original packaging, out of reach of children and preferably in a locked cupboard. Even washing up liquid can be very toxic to a small child.
- Remember, some children will be able to open child resistant packaging
- Keep alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs out of reach of children.
- Maintain the same standards when visiting others, e.g at a grandparent’s house.
- Teach young children only to eat berries and leaves that are safe.
- All fossil fuel appliances should be serviced annually by a competent engineer and any repairs carried out.
- All rooms should be well ventilated and flues and chimneys should not be blocked.
- Fit a carbon monoxide detector in your home if you have a gas (or other fossil fuel) supply.
- Dispose of unwanted or out-of-date medicines and chemicals safely
If you find someone you suspect has been poisoned, you should look around for clues and packaging to find the cause and call 999 or 112 immediately.
There are a variety of resources available to help discuss the dangers of illegal drugs and alcohol with young people, and help promote a positive attitude towards these. More information will be available soon in our Resources and Links section.
For further information about what help and resources are available, visit our Poisoning Links section.
