Cleaning products a danger to children

Last week the Yuma Fire Department responded to a call for a toddler who drank a bleach/water mixture while the parent was cleaning.

Mike Erfert, YFD spokesman, said such instances illustrate the hidden dangers of household cleaning products.

“We see cases involving household cleaning products on a regular basis,” he said.

Erfert said one of the biggest safety problems with household cleaners is that they are often stored in cabinets and under the kitchen sink. Instead of storing these types of products where children can easily reach them, Erfert suggests putting them in locked cabinets.

Another danger, Erfert said, is not putting cleaning products back immediately after use. While virtually all household cleaning products have childproof caps these days, Erfert said that many people forget to screw the lids all the way down after use, and that caps can be defective.

“Use child-resistant caps, but remember, nothing is child-proof.”

Erfert said household cleaning products should always be kept in the original containers so children don't mistake them for something to drink.

Spray bottles don't have the safety mechanisms that other types of bottles and containers do, said Erfert. Containers also can get punctured and begin leaking, so it is important to check them on a regular basis.

Erfert said many emergency medical responses have involved exposure to household products or chemicals. Common household cleaners like bleach, ammonia or detergents can be dangerous and must be used cautiously.

“Some, especially when mixed, can release toxic vapors, and accidental ingestion (usually by small children) can cause serious injury. Do not mix household cleaning products together.”

Even while taking all these precautions, Erfert said, every home should have the number for the poison control center posted somewhere that everyone is aware of, such as on the refrigerator or by the phone, or both.

In a medical emergency, call 911 and have the product container or medicine bottle available. At the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, 1-800-222-1222, a poison expert will answer calls.