More than half of all poison exposures occur in children under the age of six, and more than 90% of all poison exposures occur in a residence. Poison exposures in children are precipitated by normal growth and development and by availability of potentially toxic substances. Because young children cannot protect themselves from poisoning, parents and child-care providers must provide a safe environment. Programs and informational materials that are scientifically and educationally sound will assist health care professionals in providing effective poison prevention education programs.
Litovitz T, Manoguerra A.1992. "Comparison of Pediatric Poisoning Hazards: An Analysis of 3.8 Million Exposure Incidents," Pediatrics, 89:999-1006.
3.
Litovitz TL, Klein-Schwartz W, Caravati EM, et al. 1999. "1998 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System," Am J Emerg Med., 17(5):435-487.
4.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.1999. "Poison Prevention Packaging: A Text for Pharmacists & Physicians (Revised 1999," Available from CPSC, Washington, DC 20207, or at the CPSC web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/pois_prv.html
5.
Jacobson BJ, Rock AR, Cohn MS, Litovitz T.1989. "Accidental Ingestions of Oral Prescription Drugs: A Multi-center Survey," Am J Public Health, 79:853-856.
6.
Rodgers GB.1996. "The Safety Effects of Child-resistant Packaging for Oral Prescription Drugs: Two Decades of Experience," JAMA, 275:1661-1665.
7.
Public law 87-319, 75 Stat, 681, September 26, 1961.
