2500 Aussie Kids Hospitalised Each Year For Poisoning

Two-year-old children are most at risk of being accidentally poisoned by everyday household items.

This is according to a new report released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The report revealed that the most common causes of poisoning among children in Australia are all-purpose and hard-surface cleaners, bleach, detergents, toilet bowl products and glow sticks.

Nearly 2,500 children are admitted to hospital each year due to poisoning.

The report analysed calls that were made to the Poisons Information Centres between June 2014 and May 2015.

According to ACCC Deputy Chair, Delia Rickard, there are 180,000 calls made to Australia’s Poisons Information Centres each year, with about half of these relating to children.

“Children under 5 are most at risk of accidental poisoning, with the risk highest for 2 year olds,” Ms Rickard said.

“Poisonings often occur on holidays when families are heading to holiday houses or visiting friends and relatives who may not have young children,” she said.

The report found that injuries can range from skin irritations and eye damage to severe internal burns. Ingesting toxic products can cause a difficulty in swallowing, chest pains, abdominal pains and vomiting. Some chemicals that contact the skin can cause rashes, chemical burns and even blindness.

“The most serious incidents relate to carbon monoxide exposure, button batteries, caustic cleaners such as oven and BBQ cleaners, acids, pool chemicals, household bleaches and herbicides,” Ms Rickard said.

And while household cleaning products are a significant poisoning risk, the report found that medicines are the most common source of poison exposure for all age groups.

The ACCC gives the following tips for parents to reduce the risk of poisons exposure in their homes:

Cleaning products should be stored in a secure cabinet that children are unable to access.
Secure all chemical products in and around your home. Check areas in the house such as the kitchen, laundry, bathrooms, toilets as well as the garage and garden shed.
Check holiday houses on arrival for medications and chemicals that are accessible.
Keep household chemicals in their original containers never transfer them to used soft drink bottles.
Read the safety instructions on product labelling and follow the directions
Close containers so that ‘child resistant’ closures can function. Closures are not childproof and they are not a substitute for secure storage.

If you need advice on poisons, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

If you become concerned about any symptoms please seek immediate medical attention we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/

SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information.

All information provided is correct at time of publication.