Consumers are being warned to take care when using fragranced reed diffusers around the house, after an increase in the number of children drinking the liquid.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is also urging consumers and retailers to check the safety information on the bottles of product.

In 2020, the National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) based at Beaumont Hospital received reports on 78 children who drank reed diffuser liquid.

Most of the children were under three years old.

The number of calls to the NPIC about reed diffusers increased by nearly 300% in the last six years - from 34 in 2015 to 133 in 2021.

The HSA since carried out targeted inspections to make sure the diffusers and refills available in the country do not contain any restricted ingredients, and that they display safety information on the bottles.

A total of 41 different brands of reed diffusers available in Ireland were checked. The HSA said that while many of the products did have safety information on the outer packaging, they failed to include the safety information on the inner bottle as required.

"Since the outer packaging is normally discarded after purchase, the lack of a hazard label on the diffuser bottle itself could result in a delay in the appropriate medical treatment of a child who is accidentally exposed to the contents," said a statement from the HSA.

"The composition of these products can vary so when the NPIC receives a call from a caregiver it's important that the composition can be identified correctly, to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place."

Consumers are being urged to read the label before buying household products, since many of them contain chemicals that can have harmful effects after accidental exposure, or when the safety information is not followed.

Some household products can be harmful if swallowed, can result in skin reactions or even long-term skin sensitisation, the HSA said.

Manager of the National Poison Information Centre Patricia Casey said that "accidental exposure to chemicals can be very dangerous for small children and we work in close collaboration with the Health and Safety Authority alerting them to relevant incidents".

"If the liquid from a reed diffuser comes into contact with the eyes it can cause pain or if swallowed, it can result in vomiting, cough or drowsiness. It can also cause a rash if it comes into contact with the skin.

"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 to induce vomiting.

"If it comes into contact with the skin, wash thoroughly. If it gets into the eyes, rinse carefully with water for 10-15 minutes. Then contact the National Poison Information Centre (01 809 2166) to seek advice on whether medical attention is needed," she added.

The HSA's Assistant Chief Executive for Chemicals and Industrial Product, Yvonne Mullooly, said they are continuing to review the issues around hazardous chemicals and the packaging on reed diffusers.

"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," she said.

"The authority has guidance for both retailers and consumers available on the HSA website along with a podcast that provides consumers with advice when buying products containing chemicals online. I would urge people to engage and familiarise themselves with our available guidance."

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