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Children and Chemical Safety

Children are curious, close to the ground and still growing, which makes them more vulnerable to chemicals around the farm. This guide covers prevention in general terms and tells you who to call if you are worried.

Why are children at special risk?

Young children explore with their hands and mouths, and they play near the ground where residues collect. Their bodies are smaller, so a small exposure can matter more.

Older children and teens face different risks, such as taking on tasks before they know the hazards. Safety plans should consider every age on the farm, including visiting cousins and neighbors' children.

Visits from grandchildren, cousins and friends change the picture, so review your arrangements before they arrive. Keep the tone warm and steady so that children feel safe asking questions.

How should chemicals be stored when children are around?

Store all chemicals, including fuel and household cleaners, in a locked cabinet or room that children cannot open, and keep them in their original labeled containers. A shelf that is high is not the same as a shelf that is safe.

Never put chemicals in drink bottles, food jars or cups. Return products to storage right after use, and do not leave open containers unattended, even for a minute.

Child-resistant packaging slows children down but does not stop them, so locked storage is still the main protection.

• Lock storage and keep keys with adults.
• Keep original labels on every container.
• Never use food or drink containers for chemicals.
• Put products away immediately after use.

What boundaries help during work?

Set clear, simple rules about where children may and may not go during chemical work. Mixing areas, sprayers, tanks and treated fields should be off limits, and an adult should always know where each child is.

Children should not ride on or play around equipment that carries chemicals. Make arrangements for supervised care when the work is going on, instead of hoping they will stay away.

Be honest with children about why the rules exist, in words that fit their age, and do not rely on warnings alone.

What about residues on clothes, toys and pets?

Work clothes and boots can carry residues into the home. Keep them at the door, wash them separately and wash your hands before picking up a child.

Keep play areas, toys and pet areas away from treated areas, storage and washing spots as the product label advises. Ask your extension office for guidance on waiting periods and cleaning.

Check pockets, bags and vehicle floors for spilled product or loose containers before children get in.

What if I think a child was exposed?

If a child is having trouble breathing, is unresponsive, is having a seizure or seems very ill, call 911 right away. If you think a child has swallowed or touched a chemical but the child seems well, call your local poison control center or doctor immediately and follow their directions.

Have the container or label ready so that you can describe the product. Do not make the child vomit or give anything by mouth unless a medical professional tells you to.

Keep the number for poison control posted near phones and saved in cell phones, and teach older children where to find it. If you are not sure of the number, look it up on the official poison control website today.

How do I teach children about chemical safety?

Use simple, repeated rules suited to the child's age: ask before touching, never taste or smell unknown containers, and tell an adult right away about a spill or a strange container. Praise honesty, and never punish a child for reporting a mistake.

Programs from the Progressive Agriculture Foundation and your extension office offer age-appropriate material. Ask about safety days in your area.

What does a family plan include?

A good plan covers locked storage, supervision during work, clean-up habits, emergency numbers and what to do if exposure is suspected. Post it where all adults can see it.

Review it every year and when children reach a new age. What was safe for a toddler is not the plan for a ten-year-old, and neither is the plan for a teen who drives equipment. If you are expecting visitors or new family members, walk around the property with fresh eyes and look for anything at a child's height. A short walk with a coffee in hand can show you hazards that you stopped noticing long ago.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.