In the year 2000 more than a million children under the age of five were poisoned. Because their curious nature leads them to put things in their mouths, younger children are even more at risk.
Children metabolize toxic substances faster than adults.
Most poisonings can be treated at home by calling the local poison control center and following their instruction. It is important to know the signs of poisoning. Unexplained nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are signs of poisoning. Chest or abdominal pain, headache, blurred vision, numbness, chills, fever, or burns and reaches on the lips, nose, mouth, or skin are also signs. Children who have been extremely poisoned also have difficulty breathing and may experience sudden behavior changes such as sleepiness, irritability, or jumpiness.