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Wellington, May 25, 2017
The National Poisons Centre fields more than 6000 calls a year about under-fives’ exposure to chemicals.
One in 10 of them result in a visit to the doctor or a stay in hospital.
Environmental Protection Authority CEO Dr Allan Freeth said that it was comforting to see a gradual decline in the number of hospitalisation and doctor visits over the past few years thanks to public education campaigns about managing hazardous substances.
“But in an ideal world the number would be zero, because it only takes a little effort to keep chemicals out of children’s reach at all times,” he said.
The Safety Mantra
The EPA’s own mantra around staying safe with household chemical products, urges parents to ‘put them up or lock them up’ may be paying off.
Recent research undertaken for the EPA reveals that 86% of New Zealand families say they are aware of the need to keep chemicals out of reach of children.
“We are talking about heavy-duty household cleaners, paints, fertilisers, petrol and LPG cylinders as well as other less obvious products such as shampoos, toothpaste and some cosmetics,” Dr Freeth said.
Read and follow labels
As the EPA’s first ‘Safer Homes Week’ continues (May 22-27) its message is simple: read the label and follow the instructions.
Throughout the week, the EPA, in conjunction with Wellington City Council, NZ Fire, NZ Police, ACC, EQC, Plunket, Safe Kids Aotearoa, Housing New Zealand, National Poisons Centre and the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment and Consumer New Zealand will be promoting online tips and hints about staying safe at home, in the garden and in the community.
To find out more, follow on Facebook (EPA Safer Homes) and Twitter (@EPAgovtnz).
Public Exhibition
A two-day public exhibition is planned for Friday May 26 and Saturday, May 27 at Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre.
Topics and displays will cover fire safety, earthquake preparedness, safety for under 5s and pets, alongside information on staying safe around chemicals and hazardous substances in the home.
Entry is free and doors open at 930 am on Friday and at 10am on Saturday.
For more information about how to keep safe with hazardous substances go to www.epa.govt.nz/saferhomes.
Please contact the National Poisons Centre: 0800-764766.
About EPA
The EPA sets the rules for the use of hazardous substances under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 by assessing the environmental and economic risks and benefits to New Zealanders and the environment.
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