Accidental poisonings are on the rise among older adults, experts warn – with over-65s now twice as likely to die from one as the general population.
Cases of people unintentionally consuming poisonous household products – such as cleaning sprays, laundry pods and garden chemicals – or overdosing on medications, have risen sharply, research shows.
Experts say older adults are particularly vulnerable as dementia can cause confusion about what household products are for – perhaps mistaking them for something to eat – while poor eyesight can make it harder to read labels or warning signs.
Many also take several different medicines each day, increasing the risk of taking the wrong dose or mixing up tablets.
Hospitals in England recorded 17,252 poisoning-related admissions in 2024, according to figures compiled by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
A further 5,770 people died from accidental (non-narcotic) poisoning in the same year – a 63 per cent increase in just ten years.
Data shows that older adults – aged 65 and above – are particularly at risk, accounting for 2,371 of the deaths.
New guidance from RoSPA is aimed at families with vulnerable relatives. ‘Turning away for a few seconds and realising someone has swallowed a cleaning product is, sadly a reality some have experienced,’ says Rebecca Guy, senior policy manager at RoSPA. ‘These aren’t freak accidents. They are predictable, preventable events.’
Hospitals in England recorded 17,252 poisoning-related admissions in 2024
A further 5,770 people died from accidental (non-narcotic) poisoning in the same year
Its guidance recommends cleaning and laundry products are locked away, or stored in high cupboards that can be secured. Medicines should also be kept in organisers and out of sight.
Harmful products should remain in their original containers, which display ingredient and safety warnings. Lookalike bottles – such as brightly coloured drinks and cleaning products – should also be kept far apart.
Paul Edwards, chief nursing officer at Dementia UK, said many cleaning products have brightly coloured packaging ‘which can cause confusion for people with dementia, who may mistake them for edible items’.
He added: ‘One of the challenges of supporting someone with dementia is balancing the risk between autonomy and their safety. These guidelines offer simple steps to reduce the chance of these accidents happening.’
