Education and awareness has shown to decrease the number of pediatric poisonings. In fact, in 1964, poison centers reported more than 600 pediatric poisoning deaths. That number has fallen to 104 such deaths total from 1995 through 1999. Children under the age of six are at the greatest risk of unintentional poisoning. Between 1995 and 1999, more than 5.6 million poisonings of children under six were reported to U.S. poison centers.
Children are curious by nature, and investigate their world by putting most things in their mouths.
They may eat or drink anything regardless of how it tastes. Children like the attractive packaging and good smells, and are drawn to the colorful look of many of the products found around the home. Also high on the list are cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning substances, and insecticides. Pediatricians from UMC's Children's Center , as well as UMC toxicologists and pharmacists are available for comment.