In 1996, Mississippi's Poison Control Center handled 14,722 cases of human exposure to toxins. Half of these were poisoned by household products and medications. The good news is that things are being done to protect against accidental poisonings. Children's deaths due to poisonings have decreased in recent years. That number dropped to 52 by 1993.
Some measures can reduce the risk of accidental poisonings.
Buy products with child-resistant caps and close tightly after use. Keep medicines and cleaners out of sight in cabinets with child-resistant latches. Never put poison in empty food bottles. It may have lost its beneficial effects, but can still be poisonous. Always read the label directions before taking medication.