Poison prevention at home matters most when you have toddlers and young children about. Everyday items — from alcohol and medicines to washing detergent and garden chemicals — can be dangerous if a curious child gets hold of them. This A to Z guide, based on information from the National Poisons Information Centre, is a handy way to check your home is as poison-proof as it can be.
Take a few minutes to read through it, and save the Poisons Information Centre number in your phone. It really could make a difference in an emergency.
Poison Prevention at Home
Always store medicine and chemicals safely.
Be prepared! Know what to do.
Check inside the mouth if the poison was eaten.
Don’t panic, stay calm.
Recommended Reading: What To Do if You Think Your Child has taken Poison
Even your handbag can be harmful, with medicines, coins, alcohol hand gel, chewing gum and cigarettes inside.
Find safe, out-of-reach storage for all potentially harmful items.
Garden products such as slug pellets and weed killer can be toxic.
Household cleaning and laundry products should be kept in a cupboard where your child can’t see or reach them.
If in doubt, call the Poisons Information Centre or contact your doctor. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Just ask for advice if you’re unsure about a product and its effect on children.
Kids can climb! Keep medicines, household products, cosmetics and garden chemicals well out of sight and reach.
Leaving containers open while you’re using them is risky if children are nearby.
Most children who are accidentally poisoned are between 1 and 4 years old.
Never make your child vomit.
Original containers are best — don’t transfer products into other bottles. Remember, a child who sees a soft-drink bottle will think they can drink from it.
Poison-proof your home. Here are tips on How to Poison Proof Your Home.
Quick action, and staying calm, matters if you suspect your child has swallowed or eaten something poisonous.
Read medicine labels carefully to avoid mistakes. Talk to your GP or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Signs and symptoms of poisoning can be delayed. Always seek medical advice.
Take the product container with you if you go to the GP or hospital.
Use childproof locks on cupboards and child-resistant caps on containers.
Varnishes and paints should be kept locked away in the shed or garage.
Wash eyes or skin with tap water for 15 minutes if a chemical has splashed into the eyes or onto the skin.
eXamine labels — don’t mix cleaning products or use two different products at the same time. Some combinations can produce a toxic gas.
You shouldn’t take medicine in front of children, as they often copy what adults do.
Zero in on potentially unsafe storage around your home, and make sure you poison-proof every room and area.
Information provided by the National Poisons Information Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
The National Poisons Information Centre is a really useful resource if you ever need advice about a suspected poisoning at home.
If you think your child has been poisoned, call 01 809 2166 for expert advice.
You can also follow the National Poisons Information Centre on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NPICIreland for regular poison prevention tips.
Save the number now: 01 809 2166.
Recommended Reading: Do You have the Essentials? Download Your Free First Aid Kit Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
What number should I call if I think my child has swallowed something poisonous?
In Ireland, contact the National Poisons Information Centre for expert advice, and save their number in your phone so it’s ready if you ever need it in a hurry. If your child is unwell or unconscious, seek emergency medical help straight away.
Should I make my child vomit if they’ve swallowed something poisonous?
No. Never try to make a child vomit after a suspected poisoning. Stay calm, check their mouth, and get advice from the Poisons Information Centre or your GP straight away.
Where should I store medicines and household chemicals to keep my child safe?
Keep medicines, cleaning products, garden chemicals and cosmetics somewhere your child can’t see or reach — ideally in a locked or high cupboard, in their original containers, with child-resistant caps in place. Remember that young children can climb, so “out of sight” isn’t always “out of reach.”
What should I bring with me if I need to go to the GP or hospital after a suspected poisoning?
Bring the product container with you, if you can, so medical staff can see exactly what was involved.
Related Articles
- What To Do if You Think Your Child Has Taken Poison
- How to Poison-Proof Your Home
- Download Your Free First Aid Kit Checklist
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