What percentage of 3-4 year-olds do you think can open a child-resistant top in seconds?

A. About 1 in 5
B. About 1 in 10
C. About 1 in 100

The answer is A - 1 in 5!

Suspected poisoning is one of the most common reasons for young children to be taken to A&E after accidents at home. Parents, carers and older brothers and sisters are not always aware of all the different things that can poison young children. That’s why we have put together quizzes and competitions for adults and children called ‘Make time to stop poisoning’.

Child Safety Week sponsors Bitrex®, have also put together a free Bitrex® Taste Experience pack for people working with families, to use in group sessions during Child Safety Week. This includes special Bitrex® stamps for adults to taste Bitrex®, guidance notes for event coordinators, and some fun giveaways. Bitrex® is the bitterest substance ever discovered. Children are particularly sensitive to bitter tastes, so Bitrex® is a really powerful deterrent to children swallowing harmful household chemicals.

Bitrex taste test

Get parents in your group to taste Bitrex® to see for themselves. It tastes hideous but, once they’ve got the message, a milk chocolate will get rid of the nasty aftertaste. The taste will fade but the message should stay for a long time!

1. Watch the video to see the effect for yourself
2. Download the free competitions and quizzes – they have prizes for winners!
3. Visit the Bitrex® website to order your free Bitrex® Taste Experience pack.

And MAKE TIME TO STOP POISONING!