Why Poisonings Happen

Who gets poisoned?

Children

More than 50% of reported poisonings involve children six and younger. Poisoning is the fifth leading cause of “accidental” death in children under the age of six, and is one of the most common reasons children are seen in emergency rooms. Poisonings are most common in children, ages one and two.

Adults

Few people realize that adults can be poisoned, in fact over 30% of calls received by the Poison Center involve adults. Adult poisonings result in more deaths and serious injuries than any other group.

Pets

Pets are also susceptible to poisoning, since dogs and cats are like children—curious about everything. They have the natural instinct to lick and chew. Over 6% of the calls to the Poison Center are about animals including: ducks, rabbits, horses, tarantulas, and even fish. Some of the same substances that poison people can also poison pets.

Why do people get poisoned?

There are a number of factors that place children at the greatest risk of unintentional poisoning. These factors include:

A child’s natural curiosity

Children are curious and love to explore; this is the way they learn. Children place everything they find into their mouths—even if it does not taste good! Young children cannot tell the difference between items that are safe or unsafe to eat and drink. Colorful bottles, labels, and liquids are very inviting to a curious child, and medicines are often mistaken for candy, while household chemicals can be easily mistaken for things that are good to drink.

A child’s desire to mimic adult behavior

Children often mimic the behavior of adults and siblings, and if, for example, a child sees a parent taking medicine, he or she may be tempted to take some as well.

Lack of “supervision” of children

Children who are left alone, even for a few moments, are at the greatest risk of being poisoned. Studies suggest that poisonings are frequent during meal times, when caretakers are busy preparing meals and children are hungry.

Improper storage of potential poisons

Poisons left within the reach and sight of children place the children at risk. Poisons must be stored in locked cabinets out of the reach and sight of children. Poisons that are improperly stored are often mistaken by children for something good to eat or drink. For example, household cleaners are mistaken for juices, and medicine is mistaken for candy. Removing a potential poison from its original container can have deadly consequences! People often remove poisons from their original containers and put them in containers normally associated with drinking, such as a soda bottle or milk jug. This practice can fool children and even adults; like children, adults are also easily fooled into thinking a poison is something good to eat or drink.

Adults are also at risk of poisoning

Failing to read and follow directions for using household chemicals and medicines are common reasons adults are poisoned.