Do Not Store Household Chemicals in Food Containers – WRHA

The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is warning the public against the dangerous practice of storing household chemicals in food containers.

This advisory comes in light of a 14 per cent increase in accidental poisoning cases in the region compared to last year’s statistics – 71 cases in 2023 and 81 cases in 2024. Some 52 per cent of the cases involve children aged 0 to 5 years.

Hanover has the highest number among the parishes, with 30 cases per 100,000 persons, followed by Trelawny with 16 cases; Westmoreland, 15 cases, and St. James, 14 cases.

During a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, held at the agency’s Montego Bay Regional Office, on August 19, Dr. Ludrick Morris from the Department of Paediatrics at the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, noted that many poisoning cases are due to the accidental ingestion of common household substances, such as bleach, medications, cosmetics, and pesticides.

He expressed concern at the trend of storing chemicals in inappropriate containers, citing instances where bleach is mistakenly kept in water bottles.

“This practice is exceedingly risky,” he said.

Dr. Morris emphasised the importance of proper storage methods.

“Household chemicals should never be kept in food containers, as this significantly raises the risk of accidental ingestion. Additionally, medications should be stored securely in locked cupboards,” he advised.

He also stressed that vigilant supervision of young children can greatly reduce the likelihood of accidental poisoning.

For his part, Regional Medical Epidemiologist at the WRHA, Dr. Maung Aung, also noted that improper storage is a significant factor contributing to the rise in accidental poisoning cases in the region.

“Inappropriate storage conditions or mistaking chemicals for consumables, along with children being left unsupervised, are the leading causes of these incidents,” he said.

Dr. Aung added that parents need to take personal responsibility in ensuring that these chemicals are stored safely.

“We can do so much from our end, but it is for the individual who is mother, guardian or father; if they are not taking their own personal responsibility for their children, it’s not going to work,” he said.