Analysis of Household Chemical Storage Practices and Accidental Poisoning Risk in Urban Households in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Accidental poisoning from improperly stored household chemicals, including pesticides, cleaning agents, and pharmaceuticals, is a preventable cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study analyzed household chemical storage practices and estimated accidental poisoning risk in urban residential communities in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 440 households using structured questionnaires and direct observation of chemical storage locations and conditions. Poison center records and pediatric emergency unit data from three major hospitals were reviewed for a two-year period to characterize accidental poisoning incidence, agents involved, and severity of outcomes. Results showed that sixty-nine percent of households stored pesticides in unlocked and accessible locations, and sixty-two percent stored them in the same spaces as food items. Only twenty-three percent of households reporting liquid pesticide storage used containers with childproof closures. Transfer of household chemicals to food containers or beverage bottles, a recognized risk factor for accidental ingestion, was practiced by thirty-eight percent of respondents. Hospital records identified pesticides as the leading agent in household poisoning cases, accounting for fifty-three percent of pediatric emergency admissions for poisoning. Children aged one to four years were the most affected age group. The study provides the first comprehensive assessment of household chemical poisoning risk determinants in Enugu urban settings. Recommendations include legislative requirements for childproof packaging, chemical safety labeling improvement, and targeted household education campaigns. Keywords: household chemicals, accidental poisoning, chemical storage, Enugu State, child safety.