Child Safety Tips
More than half of calls to poison centers involve children under the age of 6. Most of these exposures result in mild or no symptoms, but there is potential for severe injury or even death.
Most often, children are poisoned in their own homes. Common reasons include:
Common Reasons Children Are Poisoned
- Poisons are not stored properly. Keep harmful products up high and out of sight, preferably locked. Remember that child-resistant caps are not child-proof.
- Children are naturally curious. Children may put non-food items in their mouths, especially if they are brightly colored. Keep these products up and away from children.
- Children mistake poisons for something safe. Items such as fuels, cough syrup, medicine, and shampoo can look like food, drinks, or candy. Teach children to ask before tasting, eating, or drinking anything.
- Children imitate adults. Children may copy what parents or grandparents do, such as taking medication. Avoid using medicines in front of children when possible, and do not call medicine “candy.”
Additional Resources
For poison emergencies or questions, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Need help accessing these materials? We are working to make all documents on this page accessible. If you need this information in another format, please call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.