Good Samaritan Regional Poison Center in Phoenix receives thousands of calls every year concerning harmful substance exposures. Of these, about 65 percent are from ingestion of toxic substances and 13 percent are from bites, stings and envenomations. Although these occur in all age groups and socioeconomic strata, children less than five years of age are the most common victims. Adults over 18 years of age are the next highest group of exposures. Small children can get protective caps off bottles faster than most adults.
Siblings share, even with pets.
Children do not always admit the truth or truly know the amount ingested. Harmful substances are defined as chemicals, products and plants that threaten the safety of people and pets. Common harmful plant exposures include mushrooms, poinsettias and oleanders. A harmful exposure is not always identifiable unless the person involved tells someone, asks for help or behaves inappropriately. Children are more likely not to tell an adult that they have swallowed some pills because they fear punishment.