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Childhood poisoning in Dublin
E I Rfidah1, P B Casey, J A Tracey
1Childrens Hospital, Dublin.
Irish Medical Journal
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Accidental poisoning in children, primarily under five, often involves medications. Child-resistant closures (CRCs) were rarely used, highlighting the need for their increased use and education on safe medicine storage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
- Pharmaceutical Packaging
Background:
- Accidental poisoning is a significant risk for young children.
- The effectiveness of child-resistant closures (CRCs) and packaging in preventing poisonings requires ongoing evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence of accidental poisoning in children.
- To examine the role of child-resistant closures (CRCs) and packaging in poisoning prevention.
- To identify factors contributing to poisoning incidents.
Main Methods:
- A prospective survey was conducted over three months in Dublin children's hospitals.
- Data collected on 206 children with suspected poisoning, focusing on age, ingested substances, and packaging type.
- Inclusion of information on the circumstances of poisoning and any required medical treatment.
Main Results:
- Medications were the most common ingested substance (65%), followed by household products (34%).
- Only 8.5% of medications were in CRC containers; 20% were in blister packs.
- A significant number of poisonings occurred when medicines were not stored in their usual locations.
Conclusions:
- Widespread adoption of child-resistant closures (CRCs) is recommended for medication safety.
- Public education on safe storage practices for medicines is crucial for preventing childhood poisonings.
- Further research into packaging effectiveness and storage behaviors is warranted.