Parents told: “Don’t store kerosene in beverage, food containers”

CEBU, Philippines - An environmental watchdog promoting “Clean and Safe Homes for Zero Poisoning Incidents” has cautioned parents against storing kerosene in beverage containers and within reach of a curious child.

Kerosene is listed as the number one poison for kids, based on data by the UP National Poison Management and Control Center.

According to Ecowaste Coalition, kerosene, a fuel commonly used for lamps and stoves, can harm young children who wrongly drink it from unlabeled containers such as water and soft drink bottles.

 Thony Dizon, coordinator of the Coalition’s Project Protect, in a statement said that unsupervised children who mistakenly drink kerosene placed in unlabeled containers is the most common reason for poisoning emergencies involving young children.

Dr. Carissa Deoquino, head of the NPMCC said that there were 274 pediatric poisoning cases in 2013 involving the accidental ingestion of kerosene. Of the 190 out of 274 cases were 3 years old and below.

She said that awareness on the toxicity of kerosene should be emphasized to parents or guardians as she advised that if a child accidentally ingests kerosene, vo-miting should not be induced but instead one should get medical help instead at the nearest health facility.

To prevent incidents of accidental kerosene ingestion,  as well as fire, at home, the Coalition reminded parents not to put kerosene in beverage or food containers, keep kerosene out of reach of children, properly label kerosene containers, keep kerosene lamps and stoves in safe working order and do not leave kerosene lamps and stoves unattended.  (FREEMAN)