CPSC Report Finds 37 Percent Spike in Child Poisoning Deaths in 2021
By Southern Maryland Volunteers
March 21, 2023
Did you know that unintentional pediatric poisoning deaths spiked 37 percent in 2021, with 59 children under five years old losing their lives after gaining access to prescribed or illicit drugs?
CPSC’s latest report on pediatric poisoning fatalities and injuries also found that African American children suffer a higher rate of unintentional pediatric poisoning injuries, 21.4 percent, compared to being 15.8 percent of the U.S. population.
In addition, the report found that blood pressure medications, acetaminophen, antidepressants, laundry packets and bleach are the five products most involved in unintentional pediatric poisonings.
We urge you to safeguard your family from poisonings by taking control of potentially harmful household products, medications and drugs. Identify poisoning hazards in your home and keep them out of a child’s sight and reach.
