The pandemic saw an increase in young children accidentally poisoned by products found at home, such as bleach, coin-sized batteries and narcotics, federal officials said in a report released this week.
On average, 31 children under the age of 5 die from poisoning each year, a figure that has dropped 80 percent since 1972, when 216 children died, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
But after decades of falling mortality rates, an investment has taken place in recent years.
After a historic low of 17 deaths in 2018, Pediatric poisoning fatalities doubled to 34 in 2019 and rose 26% to 43 deaths in 2020, the agency said Monday in a release of its annual report on the subject. Narcotics such as opioids it accounted for nearly half of the deaths.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused families to spend more time indoors. This increases the risk of unintentional poisoning that could result in injury or death, especially for children,” the CPSC said.
In the nine months from March to December 2020, battery-related injuries for children aged 5 to 9 increased by 62%, while serious injuries related to cleaning agents increased by 72%, he noted. the agency.
The use of disinfectants during the pandemic has also intensified helped feed a wave in accidental poisonings.
The dangers of poison for children take many forms, the CPSC warned. “By 2020, blood pressure medications, paracetamol, antidepressants, dietary supplements and bleach were among the five substances most inadvertently ingested by young children,” he said.
An estimated 61,500 children under the age of 5 were treated in emergency rooms for unwanted poisoning by 2020 and 18,100 children ingested one of the 5 main substances, the CPSC said.
CPSC Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers:
- Keep chemicals, medications, and cleaning supplies securely stored in a locked locker or box out of the reach of children.
- Keep medicines and household chemicals in their original child-proof containers.
- Do not allow children to handle laundry detergent packs.
- Store laundry detergent packs in their original packaging, out of sight and reach of children.
- Coin-sized button batteries, which are used in all types of electronics, are dangerous if swallowed. Keep products with button batteries out of the reach of children and use duct tape to help secure battery compartments that do not have a screw closure.
- Call Poison Help (800-222-1222) immediately if a child swallows or is exposed to poisonous chemicals.
Add Comment