New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center
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.
What are common substances that children are poisoned by?
- 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.
- 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.
- Household Chemicals: Bleaches, detergents, furniture polish, cleansers, drain and toilet bowl cleaners, antifreeze, gasoline, paints and varnishes.
- Plants: Poisonous household and outdoor plants and plant food.
