Accidental poisoning remains a significant concern for young children in Australia, with those aged 0 to 4 experiencing the highest rates of hospitalisation. In 2022–2023 alone, accidental poisoning led to nearly 9,000 hospitalisations, with children in this age group facing a hospitalisation rate of 36.9 per 100,000. Despite a gradual decline in cases over the years, exposure to chemicals continues to pose serious risks to children's health and well-being.
Household chemicals we use everyday are everywhere—from cleaning supplies under the sink to personal care products in the bathroom. These everyday items, while useful, can become hazardous when left within reach of curious little hands. Even a small amount of exposure can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory distress, skin irritation, and poisoning from ingestion.
This blog aims to shed light on the common household chemicals that pose a risk to children and provide practical steps to ensure their safety. By understanding these dangers and taking proactive measures, parents and caregivers can create a safer home environment for their little ones.
Common Household Chemicals to Watch Out For
Did you know that there are more than 10 common household chemicals that can pose a serious threat to children's health and safety? And while there are various types of cleaning chemicals, here are some of the most common ones to be aware of:
Cleaning Products
Many common chemicals in household products can be found in cleaning items, which can pose serious health risks to children. Some of the most corrosive chemicals found in these products include bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide. These chemicals can cause eye and skin irritation upon contact and may lead to respiratory problems if inhaled.
When bleach and ammonia are combined, they create hazardous vapors that can damage the respiratory system. Hydrogen peroxide, frequently utilised for sanitising, can lead to burns and irritation if not handled properly. Sodium hydroxide, present in drain cleaners, is extremely corrosive and can cause serious chemical burns. To avoid unintentional exposure, these items must always be kept safely out of children's reach.
Laundry Detergents
Laundry detergents, including concentrated liquid pods and fabric softeners, contain chemicals in the home that can be harmful to children. These products often contain surfactants, enzymes, and fragrances that can cause skin burns and respiratory distress if ingested or inhaled. Concentrated detergents, especially in pod form, are particularly dangerous because they can burst when handled, leading to direct exposure to the eyes and skin.
Unintentional consumption of laundry detergents may lead to nausea, vomiting, and respiratory issues. Fabric softeners, typically containing cationic detergents, can become even more harmful if ingested. It’s important to keep these items in their original packaging and store them securely to reduce risks.
Personal Care Products
Common household items such as medications, cosmetics, hair dyes, and nail polish removers are widely found and can pose significant risks to children. Medications, even in small doses, can lead to severe poisoning if ingested accidentally. Cosmetics, including lotions and fragrances, may contain alcohol and different harmful substances that can cause irritation and allergic reactions.
Hair dyes and nail polish removers frequently include powerful chemicals such as acetone and ammonia, which can be dangerous if breathed in or swallowed. The consumption of these substances may lead to dizziness, nausea, and, in extreme cases, organ harm. Storing these items in locked cabinets and away from children's view can assist in minimising accidental exposure.
Pesticides and Fertilizers
Pesticides and fertilizers are among the most toxic chemicals, posing severe health risks to children. These products often contain harmful substances such as organophosphates, carbamates, and glyphosate, which can affect the nervous system and internal organs if ingested or inhaled. Even skin contact with these chemicals can lead to irritation and long-term health complications.
Contact with pesticides can lead to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, respiratory issues, and, in extreme cases, poisoning that necessitates urgent medical care. Fertilizers that have nitrates and other harmful substances can also present significant dangers when ingested. Adequate storage in safe, elevated positions is crucial to prevent these dangerous materials from being accessible to children.
Childproofing Your Home
Ensuring your children are protected from household chemicals requires a proactive strategy and careful attention. Here are several useful suggestions to make your home safe for children and reduce the dangers linked to these harmful materials:
Safe Storage Locations
To ensure household chemicals are out of children's reach, it's important to place them in high, locked cabinets or shelves that young ones cannot access. This straightforward but powerful approach can greatly lower the likelihood of unintentional exposure or ingestion. Moreover, it is strongly advised to store these substances in their original containers with child-proof caps remaining secure. These caps are designed to prevent children from easily opening the containers, providing an extra layer of safety.
Childproof Latches and Locks
Installing child proof latches and locks on cabinets and drawers is a crucial step in creating a safe environment for children. These devices prevent little ones from accessing potentially harmful household chemicals and other dangerous items. Childproof latches and locks use a variety of mechanisms, such as spring-loaded mechanisms or magnetic locks, to secure cabinets and drawers, making them difficult for children to open but easy for adults to access.
While these safety devices are highly effective, it is essential to regularly check their functionality and effectiveness. Over time, the mechanisms can wear down or become loose, compromising their ability to keep children out. Regularly inspecting and testing the latches and locks ensures they are working correctly and providing the necessary protection.
Keep Chemicals Out of Sight
Children need to stay away from household chemicals to stay safe. However, the fact that these chemicals are safely stored doesn't mean they're completely safe. A child might spot them, want to explore and end up in trouble.
Since they do not understand chemical risks, they might want to explore and hurt themselves. As such, keeping all household chemicals hidden is key to making your home truly safe for children. Make sure that your little ones will not see these products so their curiosity will not be triggered.
Prevention and Response
Despite your best efforts to childproof your home, accidents can still happen. It is crucial to be prepared and know how to respond in case of accidental ingestion or exposure to household chemicals.
Educate Children
While childproofing your home is essential, educating children about the dangers of household chemicals is equally important. Explain to them in simple terms that chemicals can be harmful if ingested or touched and that they are meant for adult use only. Emphasise that they should never touch or taste any substances without adult supervision. To reinforce this message, consider using visual aids or storytelling techniques that children can easily understand.
Emergency Preparedness
Keeping the Poison Control Centre phone number readily available is crucial in case of accidental ingestion or exposure to household chemicals. Post the number in a prominent location, such as on the refrigerator or near the phone, and ensure that all family members are aware of its importance. In the event of a suspected poisoning incident, call the Poison Control Centre immediately for professional guidance and seek immediate medical assistance if necessary. Acting quickly and following expert advice can be life-saving in such situations.
It's important to stay calm during such situations. If you notice that a child has ingested or been exposed to a household chemical, act quickly but avoid panic. Time is of the essence, and your level-headed response can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Regular Inspections
Performing routine safety inspections of your residence is essential to guarantee that all chemicals are correctly stored and out of reach of children. Establish a regular reminder to examine your house, inspecting every cabinet, shelf, and storage space that contains household chemicals. Make sure that all containers are tightly closed and placed in their assigned spots, away from inquisitive little hands.
While conducting these safety checks, closely observe any possible entry points or vulnerabilities in your childproofing efforts. Verify that locks, latches, and safety mechanisms are operating properly and have not been unintentionally unlatched. If you observe any problems or possible dangers, fix them right away to ensure a secure environment for your kids.
Final Thoughts
Protecting children from the dangers of common household chemicals starts with a proactive approach to childproofing. Taking simple yet effective measures, such as safe storage, childproof locks, and regular inspections, can significantly reduce the risk of accidental exposure. By staying informed and aware of potential hazards, parents and caregivers can create a safer home environment for their little ones.
At Science Equip, we advocate for safety and think that understanding these best practices is essential for avoiding accidents and safeguarding children's health. Focusing on child safety ensures peace of mind and promotes a healthier, risk-free environment. Act today to ensure the safety of your home and defend your loved ones.
For more tips on home safety and high-quality safety equipment, visit Science Equip's website and explore our range of trusted solutions designed with safety in mind.
