Garden chemicals

At this time of year we notice an increase in enquiries about exposure to garden chemicals, particularly weedkillers.  Always read the instructions for use carefully and make sure to follow them. 

Keep garden chemicals in the original container.  Never put them into mineral water or soft drink bottles - adults and children can easily drink them and important information from the original label will be lost, such as the name of the product, the ingredients and the manufacturer.   

Slug pellets, ant-killer, and rat poison are usually placed at ground level where young children can easily reach them, which increases the risk of poisoning.  If it is necessary to use these products it is best to do so when young children are not around, or when they are closely supervised. It is important never to leave containers open when they are not in use, even if only for a few moments while answering the telephone or the doorbell.