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Hazards associated with diaper changing
JAMA
|November 5, 1982
Insights
Children are at high risk of poisoning during diaper changes, with most cases involving powders and affecting infants aged 7-18 months. Peak poisoning times are between 5 PM and 9 PM.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
- Child Safety
Background:
- Diaper changing is a common activity where infants may be exposed to household products.
- Understanding potential hazards during this routine is crucial for child safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of poison exposures in children during diaper changing.
- To identify high-risk age groups, times, and product types associated with these exposures.
Main Methods:
- A three-month prospective recording of poisoning incidents occurring during diaper changes.
- Data collection included age of child, time of day, product involved, and symptom severity.
Main Results:
- 138 cases of poisoning were recorded.
- 79% of affected children were aged 7–18 months.
- 47% of exposures involved powders, with mild symptoms.
- 42% of poisonings occurred between 5 PM and 9 PM.
Conclusions:
- Children, particularly those aged 7–18 months, face an increased risk of poisoning during diaper changes.
- Powder products represent a significant exposure risk.
- Evening hours (5 PM–9 PM) show a higher incidence of these events, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Abstract:
The incidence of exposure to poisons occurring in children during diaper changing was recorded during a three-month period. There were 138 cases, with 79% between the ages of 7 to 18 months; 42% of the poisonings occurred between 5 PM and 9 PM. Powders accounted for 47% of the exposures. Symptoms were mild and occurred most often with powders. During diaper changing, children are at increased risk of poisoning.