![]() ![]() 1 Table 1 lists the types of drugs that most often cause unintentional ingestion deaths in children. Pharmaceutical agents comprise 42% of all toxic exposures reported to poison centers. 1 Fortunately, this group accounts for fewer than 5% of all poisoning-related deaths. More than 2 million toxic exposures are reported to The American Association of Poison Control Centers each year, over half of them involving children under 6 years of age. It is not surprising that accidental poisoning is a common medical emergency in this age group. They also like to mimic actions they have seen their parents perform. Young children often explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths. These developmental milestones allow a degree of mobility and exploration of the home for which parents commonly find themselves unprepared. Most children between 1 and 2 years of age have developed the dexterity to use a pincer grasp and have often just learned to walk. Recognizing the dangers of these drugs and taking a careful history can save a child's life. Toddlers are prime candidates for accidental poisonings, and certain medications found in many households dramatically increase the risk of death from swallowing even one or two pills. The toxic toddler: Drugs that can kill in small doses By Kevin C. ![]()
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