Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among children ages 14 and under. In 1996, nearly 6,300 children died from unintentional injuries; nearly 40 percent of these deaths occurred in and around the home. Home injury deaths are caused primarily by fire and burns, drowning, suffocation, choking, firearms, poisoning, and falls. Young children are at the greatest risk from unintentional injuries in the home because it is where they spend the majority of their time. As children grow older, they spend less time in the home and the incidence of home injury deaths diminishes. The percentage of non-fatal unintentional injuries that occur in the home also decreases with age.

DEATHS IN THE HOME

In 1997, approximately 2,600 children ages 14 and under died in the home from unintentional injuries. Nearly 70 percent of these deaths occurred among children ages 4 and under.

Fire and Burns

In 1997, approximately 680 children ages 14 and under died from fires and burns in the home. Of these children, two-thirds were ages 4 and under.

Drowning

In 1997, an estimated 540 children ages 14 and under drowned in or around the home. Of these children, 83 percent were ages 4 and under.

Suffocation

In 1997, an estimated 540 children ages 14 and under suffocated in the home. Of these children, more than three-quarters were ages 4 and under.

Choking

In 1997, more than 150 children ages 14 and under choked to death in the home. Of these children, more than two-thirds were ages 4 and under.

Unintentional Firearm Injury

In 1997, an estimated 180 children ages 14 and under died from unintentional shootings in the home. Of these children, more than 80 percent were ages 5 to 14.

Poisoning

In 1997, nearly 100 children ages 14 and under died from poisonings in the home. More than half of these deaths were due to solids and liquids such as medicines and cleaners; the remaining deaths were due to gases and vapors, principally carbon monoxide.

Falls

In 1997, more than 100 children ages 14 and under died as the result of falls in the home. Of these children, more than half were ages 4 and under.

INJURIES IN THE HOME

Each year, more than 4.5 million children ages 14 and under are treated in hospital emergency departments (EDs) for injuries incurred in the home. Nearly two-thirds of the injuries requiring ED visits among children under age 3 occur in the home. Conversely, one-third of the injuries requiring ED visits among children ages 12-14 occur in the home.