Poisons in the home
Young children are curious and will often put things in their mouth. They also like to imitate what others do, including taking medications.
Children are at increased risk of poisoning when family routine is changed.
If someone is not breathing or unconscious, call 000 immediately.
Common poisons in the home
Precautions at home
Do
- Closely supervise your children.
- When giving medication to children, always follow the instructions on the label.
- Keep handbags out of reach especially if storing medications or other poisons in your handbag.
- Check all items which may contain button batteries and make sure they have a screw closure on the battery compartment, or store safely out of reach of children.
- Ensure child-resistant lids are properly closed.
- Place containers in locked, child-resistant cupboards 1.5 metre above the ground.
- Store all poisons including medicines, cleaning products and chemicals in their original containers with clear labels.
- Check your garden for poisonous plants.
- Learn more about household poisons and children.
- Use the poisons safety checklist to reduce risks in your home and garden.
Do not
- Pour liquid chemicals into drink bottles.
- Call medicine “lollies”.
- Leave medicines, cleaning products or chemicals on benches or counters.
- Leave button batteries around where children can access them.
- Allow children to give themselves medicine. This can easily result in an overdose.