Consumers are being urged to keep reed diffusers away from children following a shocking increase in the amount of kids ingesting liquid from the item.
The consumption of reed diffuser liquid in children has gone up by around 300 per cent since 2015, according to figures from the National Poison Information Centre. The unit, which is based in Beaumont Hospital, reported that 78 children in 2020 received medical attention after drinking liquid from household reed diffusers.
The NPIC also received over 300 calls last year related to diffusers, up six fold from figures reported in 2015. The Health and Safety Authority reviewed the safety information available on the packaging of 41 reed diffuser brands sold in Ireland in response to the findings.
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The assessment found that the majority of reed diffusers did not contain relevant safety information on inner packaging, although it was generally referenced on the outer packaging.
Yvonne Moollaly of the HSA said: “We would urge retailers in the first instance to ensure the products they’re selling contain the relevant safety information in line with chemicals legislation. We also encourage consumers to educate themselves on buying products that are safe.”
The majority of children who consumed the liquid were aged under 3. The absence of a visible hazard label can also prevent children from receiving the correct medical attention, according to the HSA.
The spokesperson said: “Our advice is for parents, grandparents and childminders to keep reed diffusers out of reach and to read the safety information on the label. In case of accidental exposure, if the liquid is swallowed rinse as much of the liquid as possible from the mouth with water and do not induce vomiting .”
Swallowing liquid from a reed diffuser, which is typically used to add a pleasant scent to a room, typically results in symptoms such as drowsiness, stomach upset, vomiting and a rash. Parents are told to wash out the substance if it gets into their child’s eyes with warm water for 10-15 minutes.
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