Unintentional ingestions of prescription drugs in children under five years old

The death rate from poisoning among children younger than 5 years of age has declined by 70% since enactment of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970. An estimated 86,000 poisonings were prevented between 1974 and 1981. However, the potential for poisoning remains significant. Public education and awareness efforts should be targeted at persons who have frequent contact with children, including those who may not live in a household where children reside (e.g. grandparents).