Accidental poisoning in children: a worrying public health problem
THE accidental poisonings in children are a growing Source of concern for health professionals and public authorities. A recent report from the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), carried out in collaboration with Public Health France, highlights the substances most frequently involved in these often avoidable accidents. This data comes from Poison Control Centers, hospital emergencies, as well as mortality registers from 2014 to 2020.
Main causes of poisoning and their severity in children
Cleaners : a daily danger
THE laundry detergents, particularly liquid pods, are at the top of the list of cleaning products responsible for poisoning. Although incidents have been halved since the adoption of European regulations in 2015, they remain worrying. Risks include serious eye damage and respiratory distress if you go off course. Unblocking products, on the other hand, can cause serious corrosive damage to the esophagus and stomach when ingested.
Drugs : increased vigilance necessary
Children under the age of six are particularly at risk from medications, with substances such as ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol often involved. Incidents generally occur following a dosage error on the part of relatives or caregivers.
Carbon monoxide : an invisible threat
Carbon monoxide, produced by improper use of heating appliances, remains the main cause of intensive care hospitalization for children under one year old. This colorless and odorless gas represents a major danger in the domestic environment.
Preventing the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning: the right actions to adopt
Cannabis and button batteries : new emerging risks
Accidental ingestion of cannabis has seen a notable increase in frequency and severity, particularly among toddlers. Button batteries, on the other hand, are particularly dangerous when swallowed, potentially causing life-threatening damage to the esophagus.
Prevention strategies: how can we protect our children?
To prevent these accidents, several measures can be adopted:
- Put out of reach : it is crucial to keep dangerous products and small objects away from the reach of children, including outside their home.
- Avoid deconditioning : transferring household products into unsuitable containers can increase the risk of accidental ingestion.
- Medicine storage : All medications, including those intended for pets, must be stored in a safe place.
- Monitoring heaters : It is essential to ensure that risky devices are used correctly to avoid the emission of carbon monoxide.
Raising awareness and education on domestic dangers for children must be a priority. Each preventive measure can significantly reduce the risk of accidental poisoning and protect our most vulnerable young people. This collaborative work between Anses, Public Health France, and the Poison Control Centers shows that effective surveillance and prevention are possible and necessary to safeguard the health of our children.
