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Children (Accidents)

Volume 35: debated on Monday 17 January 1983

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asked the Minister for Trade, further to his parliamentary replies of 8 December, Official Report, c. 521, if he will now give details of his proposals to improve the safety of toys, electrical goods and other products.

I am not yet in a position to do so, but I hope to give the House full details before long.

asked the Minister for Trade if he will take steps to extend the use of child resistant closures to a wider range of dangerous products in common household use; and if he will make a statement.

The mandatory use of child resistant closures—CRCs—is confined to certain solid-dose medicines. Any extension to chemical products in common household use would depend on the outcome of current work in the International Standards Organisation. If a suitable standard is forthcoming, I intend to seek expert advice from industry, medical and consumer interests and enforcement authorities on the practicability of requiring CRCs for particular products.

asked the Minister for Trade what are the latest figures available for accidents to children arising from dangerous products in common household use.

The latest figures for home accidents to children are reported from a sample of 20 hospitals, given in "The Home Accident Surveillance System: 1981—Presentation of Twelve Months' Data"—HASS 1981—published on 7 December by my Department. The figures for products involved are not, however, related to particular age groups. If the hon. Member is primarily concerned with the numbers of young children suspected of swallowing certain household products, the figures are as follows:

Table One:
The numbers of children reported to HASS as cases of suspected swallowing of household cleaners, kitchen chemiclas etc. by age.
SubstanceAge
0–11–22–33–44–5
Window Cleaning Fluid1201000
Scouring pad00100
Oven Cleaner01010
Sterlising Liquid/ Tablets43800
Ammonia01100
Caustic Soda02102
Bleach-Liquid43539116
-Other
Specified13110
Detergent/Washing Powder07200
Washing Liquid for Clothes12211
Washing Up Liquid37600
Polish-Floor10000
-Furniture13200
-Metal16110
Shoe Polish00200
Shoe Dye01100
Polish-Other Specified16000
-Other
Unspecified00100
Disinfectant45233102
Air Freshner16300
Lavatory Deodorant/ Cleaner111611
Surgical Spirit81301
General Cleaner011402
Chemical03610
Other Specified Cleaners17700
Other Unspecified Cleaners01000
Dye01010
Defrosting Liquid00000
Total331901402815

Source: HASS 1981

Table Two:

The numbers of children reported to HASS as cases of suspected swallowing of DIY and Gardening Chemicals, Liquid Fluids, Pesticides etc.

Substance

Age

0–1

1–2

2–3

3–4

4–5

Paint (Decorating)016600
Varnishes01000
Glue/Paste/ Adhesive461101
Paint Stripper/Thinner05810
Paint (Unspecified)11000
Putty00000
Tar/Pitch00010
Creosote01110
Solvents03000
Petrol02110
Paraffin15221
Grease/Oil-not cooking05110
Lighter Fuel00100
Methylated Spirit01111
Turpentine/White Spirit4713573
Acid11210
Antifreeze00210
Unspecified Grease/ Oil00100
Brake Fluid01100
Other Flammable/ Corrosive Liquid
- Specified01220
- Unspecified00100
Weedkiller03541
Fertiliser18210
Animal/Insect Poisons (Not Rat)451211
Rat/Mouse Poison5301642
Mothballs00000
Paint (Artists Type)00001
Total211661112811

Source: HASS 1981

Table Three:

The numbers of children reported to HASS as cases of suspected swallowing of Cosmetics and Toiletries

Substance

Age

0–1

1–2

2–3

3–4

4–5

Hair Treatments1261030
Soap01100
Toothpaste01110
Hair/Remover00000
Cosmetics413600
Shaving Aids0101530
Bath Oils/Cubes02100
Talcum Powder00000
Nail Varnish04300
Nail Varnish Remover59610
Perfume/Scent3182340
Deodorant00000
Total138466120

Source: HASS 1981