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Children and Poison

Children depend on parents and caregivers to protect them from poisons.

	Who is most at risk?   Children under age 6 are most likely to be poisoned, especially those between ages 1 and 2. Why do children get poisoned? Children do not know what poison is and may not understand what “danger,” “poison,” “no,” or any other warning means. Children are left alone with the poison. The parent or caregiver may be using a poisonous product and become distracted leaving the child alone with the poisonous product. Children can get to the poisonous product. Poisonous products are often placed where children can see them and reach them. Children can open the container. Child-resistant packaging does not guarantee that children cannot open the container. Used correctly, child-resistant packaging only makes it more difficult for a child to open a container.
Poison Prevention and Children

What are common substances that children are poisoned by? 1.   Medications: Prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and illegal drugs. Pain relievers, cold and cough medicines, vitamins that contain iron, and antibiotics are the most common. 2.   Personal Care Products: Nail polish and nail polish remover, cologne, aftershave, deodorant, mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, make-up, soap, contact lens solutions, lotions, and diaper rash products. 3.   Household Chemicals: Bleaches, detergents, furniture polish, cleansers, drain and toilet bowl cleaners, antifreeze, gasoline, paints and varnishes. 4.    Plants: Poisonous household and outdoor plants and plant food.

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