More than 50% of reported poisonings involve children six and younger. Poisoning is the fifth leading cause of "accidental" death in children under the age of six and is one of the most common reasons children are seen in emergency rooms. Poisonings are most common in children ages one and two.

The factors that place children at greatest risk of unintentional poisoning include:

• Lack of supervision
• Improper storage of potential poisons
• A child's curious nature

The most important step in aiding a poisoning victim is to call your local poison control center immediately. Poison control center staff provide quick, accurate, precise poisoning treatment information. If necessary, the child will be referred to the nearest health care facility for treatment.

For more information, visit the Georgia Poison Control Center website at:
http://www.georgiapoisoncenter.org