Oops!

By Peter Galvin, MD

In 2022, 76.4% of calls to U.S. Poison Control Centers were related to unintentional, or accidental, poisonings. Accidental poisoning is unintentional ingestion of or exposure to harmful substances or harmful amounts of substances, such as medications, chemicals, plants, food, or venom. Accidental poisoning can occur in people of any age, but it is most common among children younger than 5 years and adults older than 60 years. Toddlers are at high risk because they are mobile and frequently place objects in their mouths. Older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment or dementia, may unintentionally take too much medication, causing an overdose.

In the U.S. in 2022, the most common causes of accidental poisoning were pain medications, household cleaning substances, antidepressants, cosmetics or personal care products, and antihistamines. Among children younger than 5 years, the most common exposures were household cleaning substances, analgesics, cosmetics or personal care products, dietary supplements, herbal or homeopathic products, and foreign bodies (such as toys or batteries), in addition to recreational substances like cannabis edibles that may look like candies. Accidental poisoning can cause confusion, difficulty walking, headache, changes in vision, chest pain, very slow or rapid heartbeat, and/or abdominal pain and may result in seizures, kidney failure, liver failure, coma, and cardiac arrest. Accidental poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional death in the U.S. In 2022, the National Poison Data System reported 2,622 accidental poisonings that were responsible for or contributed to death.

Timely advice and medical care improve the likelihood of recovering from accidental poisoning. The U.S. Poison Control Centers can be accessed by phone at 1-800-222-1222 or online at www.webpoisoncontrol.org. This resource is free and is available 24/7. Poison Control Centers are staffed by nurses, pharmacists, doctors, and others who have specialized training in poison information. They can provide a rapid assessment and can advise people about how to manage and monitor accidental poisonings and whether emergency medical care is warranted.

There are some practices that can decrease the risk of accidental ingestions, including (1) keeping medications, substances, and small objects (such as magnets, batteries, and detergent pods) in their original containers in a secure location out of the reach of children; (2) using child-resistant packaging and bottles; and (3) avoiding storage of medications, chemicals, and other substances in bottles or cans that may be mistaken for a beverage. Patients, especially older ones, should be encouraged to keep track of their medications using pill dispensers, charts, or stickers to avoid unintentionally taking extra doses. Always follow instructions on how to use household cleaning products and never mix cleaning products. Finally, regular replacement of home carbon monoxide/smoke detectors can help accidental exposure to carbon monoxide.

For more information, go to www.PoisonHelp.org

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