Most parents are mentally healthy. These children are under physical and emotional stress, and they require additional help. Injury is the leading cause of death among children between the ages of one and 20. The majority of injury-related deaths are caused by motor vehicle accidents. Youth between the ages of 15 and 19 are the most at risk of death from injuries, particularly teenage boys.
Suffocation is the leading cause of injury-related death among children under one.
Public awareness of safety hazards is critical in lowering injury rates and reducing the severity of injuries. Canada has made important environmental gains but some hazards still pose a significant risk to children. Embryos are affected by maternal smoking. Babies born to mothers who smoke tend to have low birth weights and a high risk of respiratory illness. One in four pregnant women smoke.