Nannies, Housekeepers - Be Careful with Household Cleaners around Children

The rate of injuries among young children involving household cleaners has dropped however it is still high. Between 1990 and 20056, there were 267,269 children 5 years and under treated due to exposure to toxic cleaners such as: ammonia, laundry soap, bleach, cleansers containing low-molecular weight hydrocarbons, acids, detergents like pine oil, spot removers, lye, oven cleaners, toilet bowl products and dishwasher detergents. The numbers have gone down in recent years due to child safety resistant packaging and because parents are now more aware of the effects of toxic products and due to poison control centers helping parents deal with injuries at home. All caregivers: nannies, babysitters and housekeepers must be aware and careful to keep all cleaning products out of a child's reach.