Protect Your Child from Poisioning
By Alex Pixton
Why It's Hazardous
Children are curious and they love to explore the environment around them. They often do this by putting objects in their mouths.
They also like to imitate what adults do, including taking medications.
And they don’t really understand the dangers that some products pose and are unable to read warning labels.Always Be Cautious With Medicines Around Children
Common Poisons
Some of the most common poisons include prescription medicines, such as antidepressants, oral contraceptive pills and various blood pressure drugs, household products such as bleach, disinfectants, detergents, toilet bowl cleaners and eucalyptus oil, cosmetics including perfumes and nail polish remover, pesticides, including insecticides, rodenticides and herbicides. And the most worrying thing about all these is that they are all object commonly found in average households
Safety Rules
1. Remember that child resistant containers are not child proof – they are designed to be difficult for children to open, but not impossible.
2. Store all poisonous products out of sight and reach of children, at least 1.5 metres off the ground in a lockable cupboard.
3. If medicines need to be kept in the fridge, use a small, portable, lockable container for them.
4. Don’t refer to medicines as ‘lollies’.
5. Leave chemicals and detergents in their original containers and make sure they are clearly labelled. Never transfer them to other containers.
6. Always read instructions carefully and return all poisonous products- including medications- to their safe storage area immediately after use.
7. Use child resistant locks on cupboards containing poisons.
8. Administer medication in a well lit room and keep a record of the time and amount of each dose.
9. Leave chemicals and detergents in their original containers and make sure they are clearly labelled. Never transfer them to other containers.
10. Only fill the dishwasher with dish washing powder just before you are about to put it on. Ensure the dishwasher door is kept closed to restrict children’s access.