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Poisons are mostly in solid or liquid
form but can also be sprays or gas. Some of the most
common and dangerous poisons are: medicines and
drugs,
household products and cleaners, personal care
products, plants and environmental poisons.
Poisoning statistics
Poisoning is the second most common cause of
injury-related hospital admission for children aged
0 - 4 years.
Every year, on average, 366 children (most of them
preschoolers) are rushed to hospital after
accidentally being poisoned. Hundreds
of children are
also treated by GPs and at A & E
clinics after accidentally poisoning themselves.
Most
poisonings are from things found in and around their
home or the home of family or friends. Medicines
(prescription and non-prescription), household
cleaners and chemicals are common items involved in
poisoning.
Poisoning
prevention
Childhood poisoning prevention focuses on effective
barriers between children and poisonous substances.
Safe storage of these substances is an important
prevention measure. Child-resistant closures on
bottles of medicine, cleaners and
chemicals are also important, and should be used
whenever possible – but they are not child-proof.
All poisonings can be prevented.
Here are a few tips to help keep kids safe.
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Know what products in your home are poisonous to
children.
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Ensure chemicals and cleaners are kept up high or in
locked cupboards.
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Put lids on properly after using chemicals, cleaners
and medicines.
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Ensure you read and follow safety instructions on
chemicals and cleaners.
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Unused medicines should be returned to your pharmacy
for safe disposal.
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Store all medicines out of children’s reach and
sight.
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Sharing medicines is dangerous – only use your own
medicines.
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Ask your pharmacist for safety caps on medicines –
there may be a small cost (safety caps are child
resistant, not child proof).
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Follow dosage instructions from your doctor or
pharmacist.
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Every child is different – only give the dose
prescribed.
In case of poisoning call 0800 POISON, 0800 764 766
For more information on preventing poisoning go to
www.poisons.co.nz
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