Accidental Poisoning in Children

The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports that about 30 children nationwide die each year from accidental poisonings. Also, more than 2.4 million poisonings are reported to poison centers across the United States each year.

Learn about what types of substances can be harmful to children and what to do if a poisoning occurs. And make sure that anyone who cares for your children knows this, too.

Tips for poison-proofing the home
The kitchen, bathroom and garage or storage areas are the most common sites of accidental poisoning in the home. Consider the following when you evaluate your home for potential accidental poisoning risks:

• Are all potentially harmful products out of the reach of children or stored in a locked cabinet? Many kitchens have at least a few of the following household cleaning products:
  • Ammonia
  • Disinfectants
  • Soaps
  • Bleaches
  • Detergents
  • Furniture polish
  • Oven and drain cleaners
  • Rust removers
  • Toilet bowl cleaners.

  These products contain harmful chemicals. Make sure these items are totally out of the reach of small children. Place childproof locks on cabinet doors, or store these items on out-of-reach shelves. Remember that small children still need constant adult supervision. Never underestimate the ability of kids to get into areas and containers that appear "childproof."

• Are all potentially harmful products stored in their original containers? Keep all products in their original containers. Their labels give important information in case of accidental ingestion. Don't store harmful products in soda bottles or cups. A child can easily mistake them for food and drink and accidentally ingest them.

• Do all of the medications and other potentially harmful substances in your home have child-resistant caps? Are medicines in their original containers? Is your medicine cabinet accessible to small children? Remember to put the lids back on all medications and potentially harmful substances after using them. It takes a very short time to tightly secure the lids on medications, but it could save a child from an accidental poisoning. Even if there are no small children living in your home, use products with child-resistant packaging.

• Have you helped your own parents "child-proof" their house? Many accidental poisonings occur when children visit their grandparents and find medicine bottles kept on tables and in nightstand drawers. Likewise, older adults often bring their medications into the homes where small children live. Kids can easily find them in a purse or suitcase.

• Have you thought about vitamins and minerals when childproofing your home? Vitamins and minerals can be dangerous to small children. Iron is especially harmful to them. It can be bought without a prescription, and is often found in children's, prenatal and adult vitamins. The amount of iron in children's and adult vitamins can be enough to kill a child when taken in excessive amounts. For a small child, as little as 600 milligrams of iron can be fatal.

• Are you aware of all the things stored in the garage or storage area of the home that can be poisonous when ingested? Children have died after swallowing such everyday substances as:
  • Charcoal
  • Lighter fluid
  • Paint thinner and remover
  • Antifreeze
  • Turpentine
  • Pesticides

  All of these products must be stored out of the reach of small children. You can install special shelves and cabinets to make these items inaccessible. If you keep these items in a garden shed, be sure that childproof latches are in place to keep curious children safely locked out.

  Be careful never to place rodent or insect baits where small children can get to them. Teach children that pesticides are poisons, something they should not touch. You can get "Mr. Yuk" stickers from your local poison control center to place on dangerous substances.

What to do if a poisoning occurs
In case of accidental poisoning, try your best to stay calm.

Call 9-1-1 if you have a poison emergency and the victim has collapsed or is not breathing. If the victim is awake and alert, dial the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Try to have this information ready:

• The victim's age and weight
• The container or bottle of the poison, if available
• The time of the poison exposure
• The address where the poisoning occurred

Stay on the phone and follow the instructions from the emergency operator or poison control center.

If it's not an emergency, call your poison control center. Keep the number of your poison control center by the phone. If you can't find this number, call your local emergency number (9-1-1 in most areas) or the operator to get you the poison control center. You can also use a toll-free number that automatically routes the call to the nearest poison center (1-800-222-1222).

NOTE: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents no longer keep syrup of ipecac in the house or give it to children. If you have syrup of ipecac at home, you are advised to flush it down the toilet.

Related Articles Kid Fit - Helping Kids Win at Fitness

External Sources The American Association of Poison Control Centers US Food and Drug Administration

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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