The death rate from unintentional poisoning among children ages 14 and under has remained approximately the same from 1987 to 1996. While declines have been observed due to child-resistant packaging, product reformulation, heightened parental awareness, and appropriate interventions by poison control centers and health professionals, increases have been noted in the areas of CO poisoning and substance abuse resulting in unintentional poisoning. However, children continue to be at significantly greater risk from unintentional poisoning death and exposure than adults because they are smaller, have faster metabolic rates, and are less able to physically handle toxic chemicals. In addition, their natural curiosity and desire to put everything in their mouths increase their poisoning risk. Children are poisoned by medicines, vitamins, household products, lead and carbon monoxide (CO). The exposure risk to a child is associated with a product's toxicity, packaging, accessibility, availability and formulation.

PREVENTION TIPS

• Store all medications and household products locked out of sight and out of reach of children. List poison control center and emergency medical service numbers near every telephone. Keep ipecac syrup on hand to be used only on the advice of a poison control center or a physician. Contact your local poison control center to see if they recommend that you keep activated charcoal in the home as well.

• Always read labels, follow directions and give medicines to children based on their weights and ages and only use the dispenser that comes packaged with children's medications.

• Test children for lead exposure, and test homes built before 1978 for lead-based paint. Cover lead paint with a sealant or hire a professional abatement company to remove the paint. Frequently wash children's hands and faces as well as toys and pacifiers to reduce the risk of ingesting lead-contaminated dust.

• Install CO detectors in your home in every sleeping area, and on the ceiling at least 15 feet from fuel-burning appliances. Ensure that space heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are vented properly and inspected annually.