How to handle chemicals and poisons safely
Our guides help you to make the best decisions so you can buy and use chemicals and poisons safely.
Button batteries are dangerous and can cause serious injuries or death if swallowed or inserted. Act immediately if you suspect your child has swallowed or inserted a button battery.
Some household products, like laundry capsules and caustic soda-based cleaners, contain chemicals and poisons that can be dangerous. Button batteries are also a high risk for children.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery used in rechargeable devices due to their small size and good power capabilities. They can also be highly flammable.
Toys can contain lead and other elements. If swallowed or absorbed by your children, they can be poisoned and suffer serious health issues.
Banned products
Bans are placed on products when there is a risk that they may cause serious injury, serious illness or death. If a product is banned, it must not be supplied in Australia.
This permanent ban applies to toys, childcare articles, eating vessels and utensils intended for children up to and including 36 months of age. Items containing more than 1% by weight of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) are banned.
The permanent ban applies to gas masks with asbestos breathing devices. This ban applies even if advertised as collectable items.
The permanent ban applies to glucomannan tablets. They are designed to be an appetite suppressant. When swallowed, the tablets can expand before they reach the stomach and cause choking and suffocation.
The permanent ban applies to novelty cigarettes. They are a poisoning risk because of the ingredient hydrated magnesium silicate, which can cause serious injuries when inhaled or swallowed.
The permanent ban applies to toothpastes containing more than 0.25% by weight of diethylene glycol (DEG). This poisonous substance can cause poisoning and internal injuries.