THE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH POISONINGS IN CHILDREN

The risk associated with poisonings in children was assessed on 6175 s ubjects admitted to the pediatric hospitals of 3 regions of Northern I taly between 1975 and 1990. The frequency of exposures and the severit y of sequelae allowed high- and low-risk substances to be identified. Risks were studied separately in the 0-4, 5-9 and 10-13 y age group to determine age-related differences. A decrease in drug-related poisoni ngs and an increase of those caused by household products, particularl y in the first 2 y of life, were observed in 1983-90 as against 1975-8 2 in association with the introduction of safety caps and containers f or drugs. Our study points out the need to strengthen active primary p revention through health education and parental and adolescent informa tion, and to improve passive prevention through the extension of safet y closures to household products.