Some especially dangerous products are not in child-proof packaging, said Ann Brown, chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These include gas treatments, spot removers, automotive degreasers and cleaners. These are caustic, and poison exposures with them require prompt medical attention. Safety experts advise buying such products in small quantities and keeping them locked away. The Poison Prevention Council advises parents, grandparents and anyone who has children visiting frequently to keep a bottle of syrup of ipecac at home.
Ipecac causes vomiting and is useful in treating poisonings with many noncaustic substances.
However, the council warns never to give ipecac without calling the poison center or emergency room. If the poison exposure is to a household chemical, follow first-aid instructions on the packaging, then call the poison center. There are some 100 poison centers in the United States. Their phone numbers can be found on inside covers of the white or yellow pages of telephone books. Military families overseas should call the emergency room of their local military medical treatment facility for advice.