[Accidental poisoning in children. Epidemiological study and their prevention]

A retrospective study was carried out on the incidence of accidental poisoning (A.P.) for children admitted to the Pediatric Clinic of the University of Parma between January Ist 1973 and December 31st 1978. A total of 218 cases of AP, equal to 2,2% of total number of admittances, were registered in this time period. The children were aged from 2 months to 13 years. The toxic substances were divided into two categories: medicinal and household products. The AP tend to increase in Summer (29,8%) and in Winter (30,7%). In this series there was only one fatal outcome (0,5%). Some norms for prevention are considered.