MTPC tracks data on the type of substance involved in each exposure. Products most commonly involved include medications, plants, household cleaning products and pesticides. The following data is for calls to the MTPC in 2001.
|
SUBSTANCE |
EXPOSURES IN CHILDREN <6yo |
TOTAL EXPOSURES |
|
BITES/STINGS |
126 |
828 |
|
COSMETIC/PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS |
1,697 |
2,203 |
|
HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS |
1,391 |
2,235 |
|
PESTICIDES AND HERBICIDES |
576 |
960 |
|
PLANTS AND MUSHROOMS |
835 |
1,065 |
|
ANALGESICS |
873 |
2,490 |
|
ANTIDEPRESSANTS |
187 |
1,376 |
|
CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICATIONS |
224 |
674 |
|
COLD AND COUGH MEDICATIONS |
1,245 |
2,139 |
|
HERBAL AND HOMEOPATHIC |
93 |
172 |
|
SEDATIVES AND HYPNOTICS |
170 |
1,609 |
|
STIMULANTS AND STREET DRUGS |
71 |
386 |
|
VITAMINS |
396 |
496 |
- This table reflects number of exposures to each substance, not individual cases. Some cases involve multiple substances.
These numbers reflect the substances involved commonly, not the most dangerous. Adult strength medications, strong alkaline or acid cleaning agents, and automotive products are examples of exposures with potentially significant outcomes in children.
The staff of MTPC is able to assist callers with exposures to a wide variety of substances. The names of many products sound similar and the products do not contain the same ingredients. The specialist may require the caller to read the ingredients from the label. If the family physician would like to call the poison center for further information regarding treatment, MTPC will be happy to provide the family physician with treatment recommendations as well as the information that was given to the patient.