Most poison-related deaths in Los Angeles County are unintentional and about half of the poison-related hospitalizations are unintentional and the other half suicide-related. What are the common reasons and methods for these poisonings?

Infant & Toddler

Common unintentional-related poisoning exposures include, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, cosmetics and personal care products, household cleaners, and plants (California Poison Control Center). Why? Children often get into poisonous items because they are curious about the world they are exposed to and often explode by putting things in their mouth. Many household products have attractive colors and smells that are very attractive to infants and toddlers. Often these items are left in the home where a child can have access.

Children Ages 5 and Older

The most common are unintentional-related poisonings. These include ingestion of household products such as cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning substances, pain relievers, foreign bodies, and plants (Litovitz 2001).

Adolescents

The most common poison-related injury are both suicide-related and unintentional (Litovitz 2001).

Adults

The most common are also unintentional-related poisonings. These include pain relievers, sedatives, cleaning substances, antidepressants, and bites/stings (Litovitz 2001).

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Last modified on 09/26/2008