The cleaning products, alcohol, medicines and vitamins we have in our homes are poisonous to children. Through natural development babies and toddlers explore the world with their mouths, putting them more at risk of poisoning.
Children often imitate things they see adults doing, such as taking medications. Older children are still at risk of poisoning as if they are going through a risk taking stage of development.
When dealing with hazards remember that:
Choose at least one “poisons cabinet” where you will keep poisons:
Low storage areas, such as cupboards under the sink, may be more convenient but they are also easier for children to reach.
Choose strong, child-proof locks that children will not be able to open or broken. Child-proof locks automatically lock themselves when you close the cupboard door and are a good option to make sure that the cupboard isn’t accidentally left unlocked.
Keep poisons in their original containers, this is because there are safety warning labels and instructions.
If medicines need to be refrigerated keep them in a sealed, child-resistant container in the highest point in the fridge.
Electronic cigarettes, or vapes, are battery operated devices that heat a liquid (sometimes called “e-liquid” or “e-juice”) to produce a vapour that users inhale. They are designed to deliver nicotine and/or other chemicals via an aerosol vapour directly to your lungs.
All e-cigarettes have three basic components: a battery, an atomiser and a fluid cartridge. The fluid used in e-cigarettes usually contains propylene glycol, glycerol, nicotine and added flavourings.
Do not make them vomit.
Pick up the container and the child, take them to the phone and ring the Poisons Information Centre (Australia wide, 24 hours a day).
In an emergency situation, call for an ambulance:
