Improper use of disinfectants in toilets or on furniture caused around a hundred skin injuries, sometimes serious burns, in kindergarten children between 2017 and 2022, warns ANSES in a report published Thursday.
After several reports of severe skin damage in young children in the community, the National Health Security Agency analyzed accidents related to the use of biocidal disinfectants in 2017-2022.
Over this period, 118 cases of skin damage were recorded by poison control centers in children in communities, most often in nursery schools following the disinfection of toilets, noted the health agency. “While the skin damage was overwhelmingly of low severity, eleven children nevertheless presented with a second degree burn and one child required a skin graft for a third degree burn on the buttock”, pointed out ANSES in a statement.
With more fragile skin, children under the age of six are the population most affected, “especially little girls, who systematically sit on the toilet bowl,” she noted. For these accidents, “a sharp increase was observed in 2020 and 2021, most probably linked to the strengthening of disinfection actions put in place during the Covid-19 epidemic, in particular the disinfection of objects such as tables, chairs, toys,” said ANSES.
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But new cases were reported in early 2023, showing that the problem persists, she added. “Accidents are mainly linked to errors in the use of disinfectants (lack of rinsing or dilution, product unsuitable for the use made of it, etc.)”, which “could have been favored” by methods of use varies according to the disinfected surface, instructions for use not available or even confusing mentions on the labels, according to the scientists.
To limit the risk of accidents with disinfectants, ANSES recommends using products appropriate for surfaces, favoring the least dangerous products, ready to use, with clear and simple instructions for use, rinsing the products after application or accidental spillage, do not perform cleaning-disinfection in the presence of children or even train personnel.
In the event of contact with the skin, remove impregnated clothing and wash the skin thoroughly with water. If the contaminated area is large or if skin lesions appear, consult a doctor or call a poison control center.
