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Pediatric hydrocarbon-related injuries in the United States: 2000-2009

Heath A Jolliff1, Erica Fletcher, Kristin J Roberts

  • 1Central Ohio Poison Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital,Columbus, OH, USA. heath.jolliff@nationwidechildrens.org

Pediatrics
|May 8, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hydrocarbon exposures in young children treated in US emergency departments and poison control centers declined significantly from 2000-2009. Despite this decrease, these preventable injuries remain a concern, particularly during summer months.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric toxicology
  • Environmental health
  • Injury prevention

Background:

  • Hydrocarbon-related injuries are a significant concern in young children.
  • Understanding exposure patterns is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate national rates of hydrocarbon exposures in US children aged 5 years and younger.
  • To analyze data from emergency department visits and poison control center calls.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of data from the National Poison Data System and National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (2000-2009).
  • Analysis focused on children ≤5 years with hydrocarbon-related injuries.

Main Results:

  • Over 65,000 poison center calls and an estimated 40,000 emergency department visits were recorded.
  • Ingestion was the most common injury mechanism; most cases did not require hospitalization.
  • A significant decline in exposures was observed over the decade, with seasonal peaks in summer.

Conclusions:

  • Hydrocarbon injuries in children show a declining trend, likely due to prevention efforts.
  • Despite the decline, hydrocarbons remain a major cause of preventable childhood injuries.
  • Continued vigilance and prevention efforts are necessary.
Abstract

Keywords:
NEISSNPDSaspirationhydrocarbonpediatricspoison centerpoisoningtoxicity

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