Toxicology for the Pediatric Intensivist

The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports over two million cases of poisonings annually with more than 50% of exposures occurring in children less than 5 years of age. Fortunately, most accidental pediatric ingestions are relatively benign with only 2% of children experiencing moderate to severe toxin-related effects. Fatality from poisoning represents only 0.002% of yearly exposures. The mortality rate due to poisonings has decreased due to preventive education, the development of poison control centers, safer childproofing techniques, and improved therapies when toxic ingestions occur.