Handbags pose toxic threat to children

Women carry a “frightening” amount of toxic items in their handbags that pose a risk to children, the National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) has warned.

The centre urged young mothers, their friends, and relatives to clear out their bags and keep products such as painkillers and contraceptive pills out of reach of toddlers.

NPIC poison information specialist Elaine Donohoe said people were generally aware of the dangers lurking in the kitchen cupboard or the bathroom cabinet, but might overlook their handbag as a possible danger zone for kids.