Poisoning

Most accidental poisonings involve children under-five. Around seven children under-five are admitted to hospital daily due to suspected poisoning.  

To help prevent accidental poisoning:

Always:

• Supervise children closely at home.
• Store medicines, cleaning products and chemicals including vapes and e-liquid refills out of sight and reach of children, ideally in a locked cupboard.
• Keep products in their original packaging.
• Store cleaning products separately from food and medicine.
• Put products away immediately after use, even if you plan to use them again shortly.
• Read and follow product safety instructions.
• Use solvents only in well-ventilated areas and keep children away while products are being used or drying.

Cleaning products

Everyday cleaning products play a significant role in keeping homes healthy and safe but can cause serious harm if swallowed, inhaled or splashed into the eyes. Do not rely on safety caps alone. They can slow children down but are not childproof.

Laundry products

Laundry capsules and concentrated detergents can be very harmful if swallowed, squeezed onto skin or splashed into the eyes. Their bright colours and small size can make them look appealing to young children.

Medicines are a common cause of accidental poisoning in children. Everyday items such as painkillers can be harmful if left within reach (like in a drawer, on a table or in handbags, bedside tables or coat pockets). Medicines should always be stored securely and never described as sweets or treats as this can make other medicines seem appealing to children. 

Remember to:

• Use child-resistant packaging where available, but do not rely on it alone; it can slow children down but may not stop them
• Check handbags, bedside tables and coat pockets for loose tablets or medicines that children could find.

Button batteries, button cell batteries or coin batteries - are extremely dangerous to children if swallowed. They can be found in toys, remote controls, car keys, musical greetings cards and small electronic devices such as calculators and weighing scales.

Check products regularly, store spare batteries safely and seek emergency medical help immediately if a battery may have been swallowed. 

Replacing button batteries:

When buying replacement batteries, choose packs that keep each battery securely sealed where possible. Some cheaper packs can release all batteries once opened, increasing the chance that one may be dropped or left within a child’s reach. Used batteries can still be dangerous. Even when a device stops working, the battery may hold enough charge to cause significant injury if swallowed.

E-cigarette refills, also known as e-liquids, can be dangerous for children if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Many contain nicotine, which can cause poisoning even in small amounts. Young children are at higher risk because they are naturally curious and may mistake brightly coloured or flavoured liquids for something safe.

Always:

• Store all vaping products securely and out of children’s reach
• Dispose of empty or unwanted refills safely and promptly. If a child may have swallowed or come into contact with e-liquid, seek urgent medical advice. Call NHS 111 for advice or 999 in an emergency.

Gardens and outdoor spaces can support children’s health, play and learning, but they can also contain hazards that may cause poisoning or injury.

Store chemicals securely and supervise children when they are exploring outside.

Practitioners can support families by encouraging regular garden safety checks, using clear and non-judgemental messages, and reminding parents and carers that everyday outdoor products can be harmful to young children if they are accessible.

Solvents:

Solvents are found in many everyday products, including paints, paint thinners, adhesives, nail varnish remover, cleaning products, fuels and some garden chemicals. They can be harmful if swallowed, breathed in or absorbed through the skin.

Always: Keep solvents out of reach of children, ideally in a high locked cupboard.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that you cannot see, smell or taste.

It can be produced when fuels such as gas, coal, oil, wood, petrol or charcoal do not burn properly.

Breathing in carbon monoxide can make people seriously unwell and can be fatal. Babies, young children and pregnant women may be more vulnerable. 

Make sure fuel-burning appliances are maintained properly and know the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.