Is your home a mortal danger for your children? ANSES Accidental Poisoning Report

Accidental poisonings of children: an alarming public health problem

THAT accidental poisonings in children are a growing source of concern for health professionals and government authorities. A recent report by the National Agency for Food Safety, Environment and Occupational Health (ANSES), prepared in collaboration with French Public Health, highlights the substances most commonly involved in these often avoidable accidents. These data come from poison control centers, acute care hospitals, and death registries from 2014 to 2020.

The main causes of poisoning and their severity in children

Cleaners : daily danger

THAT washing powders, especially liquid capsules, rank high on the list of cleaning products that cause poisoning. Although the number of incidents has halved since European regulations were introduced in 2015, they remain a cause for concern. Risks include serious eye damage and breathing problems if you stray off course. On the other hand, unblocking products can cause severe corrosive damage to the esophagus and stomach if swallowed.

Drugs : Increased vigilance required

Children under six years of age are particularly at risk from taking medications, which often contain substances such as ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol. Incidents usually occur due to dosage errors on the part of relatives or caregivers.

Carbon monoxide : invisible threat

Carbon monoxide, produced by improper use of heating appliances, remains the main cause of hospitalization in intensive care for children under one year of age. This colorless, odorless gas poses a serious hazard to the household environment.

Preventing the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning: the right steps

Cannabis and pill batteries : new emerging risks

The frequency and severity of casual cannabis use has increased markedly, especially among toddlers. On the other hand, button batteries are especially dangerous if swallowed and can cause life-threatening damage to the esophagus.

Prevention Strategies: How can we protect our children?

To prevent these accidents, a number of measures can be taken:

• Put out of reach : It is extremely important to keep hazardous products and small items out of the reach of children, including outside the home.
• Avoid deconditioning : Transferring household items into unsuitable containers may increase the risk of accidental ingestion.
• Medicine storage : All medications, including those intended for pets, must be stored in a safe place.
• Heater monitoring : It is extremely important to ensure that hazardous devices are used correctly to avoid carbon monoxide emissions.

Raising awareness and educating children about household hazards should be a priority. Each preventative measure can significantly reduce the risk of accidental poisoning and protect the most vulnerable young people. This collaboration between Anses, French Public Health and Poison Control Centers shows that effective surveillance and prevention are possible and necessary to protect the health of our children.