How to prevent child poisoning?

Numerous agents used in the household daily contain highly toxic ingredients. Prevention of possible child poisoning is based on a responsible approach towards the use and disposal of sources of potentially toxic substances.

Identify poison sources in the household

  • Products hazardous for children include: cleaning and machine washing agents, cosmetic preparations, medicines, alcohol, opiates, antifreeze, gasoline, paints, varnishes, rodent poisons, plant protection products, some types of plants and fungi. An additional hazard is posed by toxic fumes and gases occurring due to fire, combustion of solid and liquid fuels, leakage of faulty gas installations, or car exhaust fumes, if the engine is started in a closed garage.

Keep chemical agents and medicines locked and out of reach of children

  • After use, do not leave chemical agents and medicines on the table, floor or shelves, but put them in a secure place.

Never leave medicines and chemical agents in food containers or packaging, or transfer them into beverage bottles 

  • Store them in their original packaging, in order to quickly determine the chemical composition if needed.

  • After use, always close tightly the caps and lids on the packaging of chemical agents or medicines.
  • Ventilate the rooms where chemical agents are used. Also, do not make mixtures of different chemical agents, as certain ingredients react chemically to each other, which can produce and release toxic gases.
  • When using  medicines, read the instructions for use and follow the doctor's or pharmacist's advice.
  • Also, be aware of the medicines and chemical agents brought to your home by guests, and recommend precautions.
  • Dispose of unneeded or expired medicines in the prescribed and safe way.
  • Do not call medicines tempting names (candy, etc.).

Some plants may be poisonous - check if there are such plants in your home or garden 

Do not allow children to pick or eat any plants without permission. Be sure to warn children about the danger of poisonous mushrooms!

Be especially careful if you are a user of electronic cigarettes, keep them out of reach of children

  • Liquid nicotine from their charges can be very dangerous for children.
  • If the child is staying outside your home (with relatives, friends, on a trip), explain to those who care for the child how to prevent the possibility of poisoning.
  • Button batteries (small, circular batteries for wristwatches, toys, etc.) are also dangerous. These batteries can severely harm children's health if they are swallowed or stuck in the nose, ear or throat.
  • Do not start motor vehicles in a closed garage. Prevent exhaust fumes from accumulating indoors.