General Poisoning Information

The telephone number for a poison emergency is 800-222-1222.

Toxic exposures are common in pediatrics and are a significant health concern for children. Greater than 90% of these exposures occur in homes. The pattern of these exposures varies by age and gender. The majority of poisonings in young children are unintentional. In teenagers, more than half of poisonings are intentional. In preadolescents, there is a male predominance. Slightly more than half of the poisonings in the 13-19 year age group occur in females.