Western Cape records more than 500 household product poisoning cases in six months
Between January and June 2025, the Poisons Information Helpline recorded 6142 poisoning cases, of which 514 were linked to everyday items such as bleach, detergents, air fresheners, and polishes.
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More than 500 people in the province were poisoned by common cleaning and household products in just six months, prompting renewed warnings from health authorities about the dangers lurking in everyday items.
Between January and June 2025, the Poisons Information Helpline recorded 6142 poisoning cases, of which 514 were linked to everyday items such as bleach, detergents, air fresheners, and polishes.
Children are among the most affected. Of these household product-related cases, 243 involved children under five, many of whom accidentally ingested brightly coloured or scented cleaning agents.
“Many poisoning incidents occur not from neglect, but from everyday accidents,” said Cindy-Lee Golding, a specialist at the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre.
“A momentary lapse, such as leaving a bottle open or storing a cleaner within reach, can have serious consequences. Prevention is the most powerful protection we have.”
The most common culprits were bleach, with 148 cases, followed by detergents (123), air fresheners (54), and polishes (30).
ChildSafe, based at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, urged parents to store chemicals out of children’s reach, keep products in their original containers, and never refer to medicines as sweets.
The Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre also reminded families to ensure good ventilation while cleaning and to avoid transferring chemicals into drink bottles.
Health authorities say that with a few simple precautions, hundreds of these poisoning incidents can be prevented every year.