According to the CDC, most unintentional nonfatal poisonings of children occur due to ingestion of which item?

• A. Prescription or over-the-counter medication
• B. Household cleaners
• C. Food items
• D. Plants in home

Answer: (A)

Medications are the leading cause of unintentional nonfatal poisonings in young children. Kids are naturally curious and will explore and put things in their mouths, and medicines—especially pills and vitamins—are small, colorful, and easily accessible in many homes. A tiny amount can cause harm in a child because their bodies are smaller and more sensitive to toxins, so ingestion of medicines tends to produce more incidents than other household items. While cleaners, foods, and plants can cause harm, data show that medicines most often drive these unintentional poisonings. The key safety takeaway is to store all medicines securely, use child-resistant packaging, keep medicines in their original containers, and promptly contact poison control if ingestion occurs.