Why Children Get Poisoned Most often, children are poisoned in their own homes. Children are curious. By smelling, touching and tasting, they learn about the world. Brightly colored liquids, spray containers, pills, leafy or flowering plants attract children. Children confuse poisons with safe items.
Many poisons look or taste similar to other things.
Medicine tablets look and taste like candy. Antifreeze tastes sweet. Red mouthwash looks like fruit punch. Children imitate adults. Children want to take medication, clean house, paint and spray chemicals too.