What is the recommended action if a child swallows a household chemical?

• A. Wait for symptoms to appear
• B. Call Poison Control and follow their instructions; do not induce vomiting unless advised
• C. Give milk to dilute the chemical
• D. Take the child to the emergency department immediately without calling

Answer: (B)

When a child swallows a household chemical, the safest first step is to call Poison Control and follow their instructions. The exact danger depends on the substance, its amount, and how long ago it was ingested, and professionals can provide substance-specific guidance on what to do next. Vomiting can cause more harm by injuring the esophagus or increasing the risk of aspiration into the lungs, especially with caustic or petroleum-based products, so you should not induce vomiting unless told to do so by Poison Control. Giving milk or other fluids to dilute the chemical is not universally safe and can be harmful with certain substances. Keep the product container handy to give precise information, and seek urgent help if the child is coughing, having trouble breathing, is unconscious, or will not wake up. If advised, follow their instructions about whether to take the child to the emergency department.