The prevention of poisoning in childhood

This review of the literature sets out to identify the problem of accidental poisoning in childhood and evaluate available preventive measures. A poisoning accident results from the association of three factors: an inexperienced child, a dangerous agent and an unsafe environment. Preventive measures are considered in the light of these factors. Prevention by education appears to be of limited value, although education serves to heighten professional and public awareness of the problem of childhood poisoning. Child-resistant containers (CRCs) have been shown to be effective in prevention and form the main focus for research and legislative action. It is suggested that future work is directed towards identifying those areas of risk where CRCs could be most usefully employed and towards reducing the technical difficulties which at present detract from the effectiveness of these devices.