While the situation in Steinfort – where a child sprayed disinfectant into a water jug as a “joke”– resulted in no serious harm, it highlights the importance of knowing the correct response in such emergencies.
If you suspect your child has ingested or been exposed to something toxic, do not panic. While calling 112 is an option, the Belgian Poison Control Centre should be your first point of contact. Luxembourg has an agreement with the centre, which can be reached 24/7 at 8002 5500. Experts there can assess the severity of the situation and advise whether emergency services are needed or if the child should simply be monitored.
Emergency physician and paediatrician Dr Claude Schalbar warns against inducing vomiting: “Many parents instinctively try to make their child vomit by sticking a finger down their throat. However, this can cause further damage, as the toxic substance passes through the mouth and oesophagus twice. Worse, vomiting can lead to inhalation of the substance into the respiratory tract.”
If the substance is a liquid chemical, do not give the child anything to drink immediately, as some toxic products can foam, increasing the risk of inhalation.
However, if the child has mistakenly taken medication, they should be given plenty of water or tea to help dilute it.
Preventing poisoning at home
Incidents involving toxic substances are not uncommon in Luxembourg, and most happen at home. Dr Schalbar urges parents to store hazardous products safely:
Never transfer cleaning products or detergents into plastic bottles, as children may mistake them for water or juice.
And final basic tip, keep medicines, cleaning agents, and other toxic substances out of reach and in their original, childproof containers.
