ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety) published a new file in October on the dangers surrounding your children at home. With a new observation: new uses are at the heart of the risks.
Tiny “button” batteries, colored detergent capsules, water balls that make you want to touch… Many are the elements that, today, can attract little hands in search of games, without our thinking about it. However, serious or even fatal domestic accidents linked to the ingestion of small objects are still too often reported and are regularly the subject of alerts from the health authorities. To visualize a little more the serious risks that can exist directly at home, ANSES has therefore compiled in a document dated October 5, the 9 most common threats involved in domestic accidents and the reflexes to adopt.
New uses, new emergencies to anticipate
For Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo, as often the current risks nestle in particular in our new uses and the marketing which surrounds the products: “New products and new modes of consumption induce new emergencies” he confirms.
“All the marketing efforts to make cosmetic and household products look pretty and smell sweet are confusing factors for children. They must, however, remind us to resume our preventive reflexes which are in general: lock up or high up all medicines, household products or all those products that children can put in their mouths” he warns.
With increased distrust on button batteries, the cause of many emergencies.
9 risks that exist in your homes
Potentially lethal button cell batteries
These tiny batteries are the cause of many hospitalizations still on the rise. A swallowed battery can cause life-threatening lesions to form very quickly. “It’s important to pick up the ones lying around in the drawers or on the furniture, because they’re always lying around” reminds Dr. Kierzek, and to check that the battery compartments of games, watches etc. are well secured. In case of ingestion, or even doubt about ingestion, the child must be taken to the emergency room.
Medications for pets: keep locked up
Just like human medications, medications for your pets should be locked up and out of reach of little hands. ANSES also advises grouping them together in a place separate from that where the family’s medicines are stored, to avoid any confusion.
Detergent pods: keep out of reach of children
The new somewhat “candy” formats of liquid detergent pods must be kept out of reach of children, like all household products. These pods are responsible for hundreds of accidents each year. In addition to their toxic side, a simple projection of the detergent in the eyes can cause damage to the cornea.
Glue for false nails: beware of burns
ANSES warns against this cyanoacrylate glue which has no direct impact when it comes into contact with the skin. On the other hand, the contact of this glue with fabric, especially cotton or wool, causes a chemical reaction resulting in an instant release of very strong heat. These products should also be kept out of the reach of children.
Cosmetics that look like candies
If you have children, simply avoid all these effervescent balls for the bath imitating candy, or these products sold in fun packaging (depilatory creams that look like compotes to drink, etc.). Do not leave them lying around within reach of children.
Magnetic balls: to watch
Many objects, even children’s games, contain magnetic metal balls that can stick together. ANSES calls for increased vigilance: ingested magnetic beads can clump together, clog the digestive tract and tear the intestinal walls causing perforations. We also place these out of reach of the little ones.
Water pearls: be careful when swallowing them
Translucent and brightly colored, water beads are used as decorative items and can attract children. Problem: If ingested, these beads can continue to swell in the digestive tract and cause bowel obstruction. They must not be accessible.
Rat poison: only use products authorized in France
Do you have a pest problem? ANSES recalls that two very young children died following the accidental ingestion of a rat poison banned in France and advises to only buy products in conventional circuits or to call on professionals.
Your indoor plants: watch out for their toxicity
Decoration again: certain ornamental plants may present a risk in the event of ingestion, skin or eye contact, or inhalation of the pollen. ANSES has listed 58 toxic plants. If in doubt, call the poison control center.